Home Remedies and Herbs for Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus that grows, often in between the toes. The particular fungus can be found on floors, wet surfaces, socks and other surfaces. It is spread through direct contact with these objects. It cannot thrive without dark, moist conditions.¹

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot can be caused by a variety of issues. The main issue is a fungus. Other causes are:

• Irritants
• Allergens
• Ringworm
• Fungi ²

What are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?

There are many different symptoms of athlete’s foot. They vary from person to person however, the most common symptoms are:

• itching, stinging, and burning between the toes
• itching, stinging, and burning on the soles of the feet
• blisters on the feet that itch
• cracking and peeling skin on the feet, most commonly between the toes and on the soles
• dry skin on the soles or sides of the feet
• raw skin on the feet
• discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails
• toenails that pull away from the nail bed³

How is Athlete’s Foot Diagnosed?

Athlete’s foot is usually diagnosed by a visual inspection by a doctor. They will look at the affected area and try to make a diagnosis from there. If that is not enough they will do other tests such as:

• View your feet with a black light
• Scrape your foot near the affected area and examine under a microscope
• Send a sample of the patient’s skin for testing⁴

How is Athlete’s Foot Treated?

Athlete’s foot is usually treated with over the counter creams. Most of these creams are applied at least twice daily and have anti-fungal elements. Those medications will usually kill athlete’s foot. If that does not work, a doctor may also prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication to cure the athlete’s foot. ⁵

Natural Medicinal Options for Athlete’s Foot

• Grapefruit Oil - The acids in grapefruit and the oil that comes from the rind may be helpful in treating athlete’s foot. Put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and apply to the affected area a couple times a day. You may want to alternate this with tea tree oil to prevent over drying of the skin.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple Cider Vinegar may be effective against athlete’s foot due to its ability to help regulate the body’s natural PH balance. Soaking the affected foot for a short time (about 15 minutes) a few times a day can help kill the infection.
• Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil is wonderful for athlete’s foot. It has anti-fungal properties that will kill the infection fairly quickly. Simply drop a few drops of the oil onto a cotton ball or q-tip and swab the area. Do this a few times a day.
• Yogurt - Yogurt has specific good bacteria that may be helpful in killing the athlete’s foot fungus. Putting some of the yogurt on your feet and letting them sit for a few minutes at least once a day may be beneficial
• Peroxide - Peroxide may be helpful in treating athlete’s foot due to its cleansing properties. Pouring the liquid right on the affected area may clean the skin and promote healing from the fungus.

Conclusion

Athlete’s foot is a completely treatable condition. It can happen to anyone and often affects both men and women. It can come from the shoes you wear or stepping into a shower where someone has the fungus and may not know it. The key is to get it diagnosed properly and start a treatment plan. Many doctors will give the over the counter remedies but pairing them with the natural options may work best for you. Athlete’s foot is a natural problem and nothing to particularly worry about. Many patients treat it and are free of it for a long time pending additional exposure.

References

1. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33950
2. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/athletes_foot/page2_em.htm#athletes_foot_causes
3. http://www.healthline.com/health/athletes-foot#Symptoms4
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20014892
5. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/athletes_foot/page7_em.htm#medications_and_treatment_for_athletes_foot