Athlete’s foot, is a fungal disease of the skin. Also called tinea pedis, the fungus flourishes in dark and damp conditions, and sweaty feet trapped inside shoes for extended periods of time are primary candidates for the development of fungal infections. The signs of athlete’s foot change, but generally consist of peeling, cracking, redness, itching, and burning.
Body Areas
This illness may spread to other regions of the body, like the groin or underarms, if left untreated for any amount of time. There are a range of other medical conditions can imitate the symptoms of a fungal disease, such as psoriasis, eczema, allergic reactions to dyes or other chemicals in socks and shoes, and bacterial infections of the skin.
If you’re uncertain of the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms don’t respond to treatment, these have to be reported to a podiatrist.
Natural, Herbal Treatments For Athlete’s Foot
- Ginger: This herb contains a compound known as caprylic acid, which has shown antifungal properties. Simmer about an ounce of ginger root in a cup of boiling water and then apply it directly to the affected area of the foot at least twice per day.
- Garlic. Laboratory studies have shown garlic to be an effective cure for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Soaking the affected foot in a tub or pail of warm water which has several cloves of garlic generally relieves burning and itching. Garlic may also be blended with olive oil and applied directly to the affected area once or twice daily.
- Teatree Oil. Teatree oil is a really potent antiseptic and can be diluted with a base oil and applied directly to the skin of the foot three times per day. It’s important to not forget, however, that teatree oil could be harmful if ingested. Use extra caution when using this oil
- Licorice: Folk medicine practitioners have used licorice to treat fungal infections, especially ringworm, for centuries. This is because licorice comprises the best number of antifungal substances of some of the herbs. You can either add some ginger into your own garlic foot tub, or boil six to seven teaspoons of dried ginger and use it directly to the affected region.
- Black Walnut. Used as a tincture or tea, can be applied for oozing skin.
- Calendula. Calendula lotion can be applied topically to help skin heal.
- Goldenseal. This herb includes anti fungal and antibacterial properties. Tincture is used internally as well as the berry is made into a poultice and applied topically.
- Olive Leaf Extract. Thus extract has a potent anti fungal that helps to cure parasitic infections.
- Chamomile Oil. Chamomile can be an extremely powerful and soothing remedy for athlete’s foot, and may be used alone or together with Teatree oil. A good deal of people are allergic to chamomile, so test a small drop of the oil on the skin of your arm before rubbing it all over your infected foot.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a superb herb for treating fungal infections, and drinking lemongrass tea creates a great medicinal addition to the treatments listed above. Drink a cup of lemongrass tree three or four times per day, or put on the tea bags directly to the infected regions of the foot.
