Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal
infection that usually begins between the toes. It occurs most commonly in
people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting
shoes.
Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include
a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete's foot
is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing.
Athlete's foot is closely related to other
fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with
over-the-counter antifungal medications, but the infection often recurs.
Prescription medications also are available.
Symptoms
Athlete's foot usually causes a scaly red
rash that typically begins in between the toes. Itching is often the worst
right after you take off your shoes and socks. Some types of athlete's foot
feature blisters or ulcers. The moccasin variety of athlete's feet causes
chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up the sides of the feet.
It can be mistaken for eczema or even as dry skin.
The infection can affect one or both feet and
can spread to your hand — especially if you scratch or pick at the infected
parts of your feet.
Causes
Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of
fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid
conditions favor the organisms' growth.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be
spread by contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated
surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
Remedies
for Athlete’s Foot
1. Soda
Bicarbonate
To treat
athlete’s foot at home naturally, make a paste of one tablespoon of soda
bicarbonate mixed with adequate water. Apply it directly on the affected area
and rinse it off after a few minutes. Finish off the procedure by dusting the
affected area with talcum powder.
2. Foot
Soak
Soak your
foot for at least 10-15 minutes in warm water mixed with salt to get rid of
athlete’s foot. Repeat the procedure every day until the infection gets
completely healed.
3. Mustard
Oil
Mustard
kills fungus fast. Soaking of foot in mustard powder or direct application of
mustard oil is helpful in curing athlete’s foot.
4. Tea
The tannic
acid present in ordinary tea is helpful in drying out sweaty feet fast. Steep
at least five tea bags in boiling water and soak your foot in this lukewarm
water for a few minutes.
5. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Direct
application of apple cider vinegar on the affected area is a helpful
remedy for athlete’s foot. Else, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 quarts
water. Soak your foot in this solution for 20-30 minutes.
Hair spray,
garlic powder, or honey can also be applied on the athlete’s foot as they are
also some best cures for athlete’s foot.
6. Plain
Yogurt
Plain yogurt contains
acidophilus bacteria, which checks the fungus. Simply apply the plain yogurt on
the contaminated area and rinse off, when it gets dry.
7. Saliva
Some studies
have proved that a person’s own saliva is helpful in curing various skin
troubles. It is also helpful in curing athlete’s foot as well.
8. Tea
Tree Oil
Mix a few
drops of tea tree oil with olive oil and apply it on the infected
area. Olive oil tenderises the skin and helps tea tree oil to get absorbed
better.
Tea tree oil
can also be mixed with aloe Vera gel to treat athlete’s foot.
9.
Lavender Oil
Besides
divine fragrance, lavender oil has anti-fungal properties. Mix a few drops of
lavender oil with some carrier oil, like olive or jojoba oil, and apply it on
the athlete’s foot.
10.
Calendula
Calendula
has been regarded as one of the best cures for skin troubles since ages.
Calendula ointments are easily available on pharmacies, which can be applied on
the infected area.
11. Corn
Starch
Take some
corn starch and apply on the affected foot with the help of cotton. Wash after
fifteen minutes to get rid of athlete’s foot.
12. Vodka
Mix
Make a mix
of one cup of vodka, 3 tsp powdered cloves, 25 garlic cloves (pounded), and 3
tsp grounded cinnamon. Shake the mixture well and store in a jar. Simply apply
the solution with the help of cotton, whenever needed.
13.
Grapefruit Extracts
Add one
tablespoon of grapefruit extract in one gallon of warm water, and
soak your foot in it for 15-20 minutes.
14. Lemon
Take a lemon
and extract its juice. Add 2 ounces of water to it. Wash your feet with this
lemon water. It will remove sweaty odour from your foot while giving relief in
Athlete’s foot.
15.
Cinnamon
Take 8-10
broken cinnamon sticks and boil them in 4 cups of water. Simmer it
for 4-5 minutes. Then, steep it for next 40-45 minutes. Immerse your feet in
this water for at least ½ hour. Practice it daily until you get complete
relief.
REMEMBER
You are at
higher risk of athlete's foot if you:
- Are a man
- Frequently wear damp socks or
tight-fitting shoes
- Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes
or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection
- Walk barefoot in public areas where
the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools,
communal baths and showers
- Have a weakened immune system