Take a close look at your feet. Have your noticed any peeling, cracking and scaling of your feet? Do you suffer from any redness, blisters, Itching and burning? If you have any of these above symptoms you could be suffering from a fungal infection called Athlete’s Foot. This condition is caused by a fungus that thrives on the dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and epidermis. Interestingly, this condition could be caused by not one but four kinds of fungi.
One that is a cause of the majority of Athlete’s Foot infections is the trichophyton rubrum. Athlete’s foot is caused when your shoes are encased in tight shoes all day without getting a chance to breathe. This fungus loves a moist, warm and humid environment. Athlete’s Foot is usually treated with antifungal medication (oral or topical). On your part, take precautions to keep your feet dry and clean. Avoid walking barefoot. Athlete’s Foot can be of several types.
Interdigital: For instance, when you have itching and burning between your toes it could be a sign of interdigital Athlete’s Foot. It’s also called a toe web infection as it occurs on the webs of your toes. This infection can also spread to the soles of your feet.
Moccasin: This infection causes dryness, itching and scaliness that spreads to the soles and sides of the foot. This infection often causes the skin to thicken and crack.
Vesicular: This rare condition takes the form of fluid filled blisters on the underside of the foot. These blisters appear between the toes, on the heel, or on the top of the foot.
Home remedies for Athlete’s Foot:
Organic tea tree oil: Soak your feet in water to which 40 drops of tea tree oil have been added. Remove from water and dry your feet before massaging some tea tree oil on the affected area.
Apple cider vinegar and Himalayan crystal salt: Soak your feet in this anti-fungal mix of apple cider vinegar, Himalayan crystal salt and water. Dry your feet thoroughly after 10 minutes. Wipe the insides of your shoes with a little of the solution.
Baking soda: Dust a little baking soda on your feet and shoes on for the day. This will soak up the moisture and prevent the spread of the fungal infection.
Hydrogen peroxide: This is wonderful cure for athlete’s foot that kills both bacteria and fungus. Soak your feet in solution of hydrogen peroxide and water.
Yoghurt: Apply probiotic yoghurt on the affected area and let it dry. Wash off.
Garlic: The anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties in garlic will make short work of your athlete’s foot. Mae a paste of garlic cloves and olive oil and apply to the affected area. Leave on for half an hour and wash off. Repeat this two to three times a day.