Athlete's Foot

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What Is Athlete's Foot

Athlete's Foot is a fungal infection that occurs on the feet. It is contagious and can spread from the bottoms of the feet, to the toenails, to the hands. Because it is the same fungus that causes Ringworm or Jock Itch, it can also take the form of a circular, raised rash on the skin on other parts of the body. Going barefoot in public places or locker rooms is a fairly common way to contract the fungus.

Signs Of Athlete's Foot

The primary symptom of Athlete's Foot is a itchy or burning sensation on the feet. The affected foot may also burn, become sweaty, or get dry, flaky, red, or scaly. Common symptoms may include:

Itching, stinging, or burning on feet or between toes
Blisters on the soles of the feet that itch
Cracking or peeling on feet (usually between toes or on soles of the feet)
Raw or dry skin on soles of the feet
Discolored, crumbly toenails (if fungus spreads to toenails)

What Causes Athlete's Foot

The Athlete's Foot fungus, trichophyton, is related to similar fungi that can cause skin or hair & nail infections like Jock Itch or Ringworm. It is a mold-like fungus that lives on the outer layer of the skin in cells, but the fungus can reproduce quickly if the skin isn't kept dry and clean. A person gets Athlete's Foot by coming in contact with an infected person or touching a contaminated surface. The fungus is most prominent in moist environments like locker rooms, showers, or swimming pools. Common causes are listed below:

Contact with an infected person
Contact with infected surface (locker room floor, public showers, swimming pools)
Wearing thick or tight shoes
Weakened immune system

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Because onion has antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help kill the fungus that causes Athlete's Foot. Grind an onion into a paste and apply it to the affected area. Leave the paste on for about 30 minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and repeat this process twice daily. It is important to not use the towel on any other part of your body as this can spread the rash. Use clean towels to dry the area, no matter what cleaning method you decide to use. You can also do this procedure with garlic.
Soaking your feet in a vinegar bath can help kill the fungus that causes Athlete's Foot. The acidic nature of the vinegar can stop the fungus from reproducing and can extract extra moisture in your feet. You can prepare the foot bath by mixing one part vinegar with three parts warm water. Soak your feet for about 15 minutes and then wash them with an antifungal soap. Make sure you thoroughly pat your feet dry when finished.
Make sure to wear flip flops or shower slippers in places like locker rooms, public showers, water parks, or at swimming pools. Not only can this help prevent the virus from spreading if you have it, but it can also prevent you from contracting the virus in the first place.
Using 100% pure tea tree oil can have amazing antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help get rid of Athlete's Foot. Mix equal parts tea tree oil and extra virgin olive oil and rub the mixture on the affected area a couple times every day for a couple weeks. If you don't want to use olive oil, mix three parts tea tree oil with one part aloe vera gel. Apply it to the affected area twice a day for several weeks.
It can be beneficial to wear shoes that are made of canvas or leather, as opposed to rubber or plastic. The leather or canvas shoes allow your feet to breathe. You don't want them to be sweaty and or suffocating in your shoes. It's also a good idea to wear different shoes every day.
Baking soda is great for Athlete's Foot because it can help absorb odors and relieve pain or itchiness on your feet. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Rub this on your feet, rinse your feet, and pat them dry. Once your feet are dry you can dust them with cornstarch.
Olive leaf contains a compound that can help kill the fungus that causes Athlete's Foot. After grinding olive leaves into a paste, apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball. Cover the area with tape, leave it on for 30 minutes, rinse your feet off with lukewarm water, and then pat dry. Do this twice daily for a couple weeks to help get rid of the fungus.

Things you should eat