Athlete’s Foot is basically the fungal infection on the foot’s epidermis. It is also called as Tinea Pedis. It is caused due to several fungi, but mostly the dermatophytes. Usually, the infection spreads on the skin surface and in between the toes, but at times, it also appears in the form of a moccasin pattern on the sides and the bottom of the foot. This malady is more common in males rather than females.

After acne, athlete’s Foot is considered to be the most prevalent skin disease in United States. It has been found out that this infection spreads easily in fitness centers, locker rooms and communal showers. Despite the prefix “athlete” in its name, this infection can affect any body. In a recent estimation, it has been discovered that around seventy percent of the population is sure to be infected by this malady in their lives.

Athlete’s foot can cause burning, scaling, itching and dry septic on the feet. Trichophyton is the name of the particular fungus belonging to the dermatophytes, which causes athlete’s foot. This fungus commonly infects the upper layer of the skin when it is moist, irritated and warm. Various degrees of burning and itching are the regular symptoms of this malady. The other symptoms are

• Flaking and scaling of skin
• Cracked skin and appearance of blisters
• Inflammation and swelling

At times, the infection also spreads to the knees, armpits, groin and elbows. The main causes for this disease are wearing damp-sweaty socks and a poor quality ventilated shoes that render virus infection to feet. Thus, it is basically the superposition of sweat at a certain area on foot that leads to itching and a paining fungal mark.

The regular treatment of Athlete’s Foot is performed by a general practitioner, podiatrist or a pharmacist. The basic treatment includes keeping the skin clean and dry, so that the fungus is not allowed to thrive. The second aspect of the treatment includes the usage of anti-fungal washes and creams on a regular basis. At times, 2-3 week course of oral anti-fungal pills like fluconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine, also help in treating Athlete’s Foot.

Home remedies to get rid of this Athlete’s foot fungal disorder are such as:

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has been used from quite a long in Australia to heel people from skin diseases and is the most effective and common remedy for athlete’s foot. Prepare a solution of water and vinegar by taking one part of vinegar and one fourth part of water and soak feet in that mixture for around 30 minutes. Also sprinkle some baking soda to get some immediate relief and then rinse your feet. Rub Tea Tree oil as it has antifungal properties to kill all the germs and heal the foot. Corn starch is also effective in soaking the moisture.
• Sosa: Sosa is also known as Solanum Chrysotrichum mostly used in Mexico for a remedy for athletic foot. This herb keeps the feet dry, which is very important as sweating leads to more growth of poisonous fungus.
• Clean Socks: As much as possible, always wear clean socks. They should be washed in good washing powder, preferably hot water, which is free from free germs and dust. Make sure to wear a fresh pair of washed socks everyday.
• Selection of Shoes: Shoe selection plays a very important role, as shoe should be not only be comfortable but should also have good air ventilation, which will make the foot free from moisture content. Also sprinkle good foot powder everyday, in case you find more moisture and tackiness in your feet. If possible choose natural fiber made shoes, as they offer more flexibility to the shoe.
• Use Garlic: Blend some cloves of garlic and then rub that garlic paste into your foot skin and within 3-4 days the dry dead skin will fall down and the itching gets over. This is the most economical and effective remedy for athlete’s foot.
• Use Isopropyl Alcohol: Whenever you feel that your feet gets dry and scaly and the skin starts cracking, apply and wet your feet with Isopropyl Alcohol. It helps in getting rid of this disorder very well.
• Use Lotion and Cream: At the sole of your feet, apply lotion and cream in order to make it friction free. This can help in preventing from itching and drying of feet-skin which in result helps in preventing from Athlete’s foot. Try washing you feet using soap solution at least twice a day and try keeping the feet clean or use sandals so as to reduce problems caused due to shoe bites.

Back to Home Remedies

References: The Doctors Book of Home Remedies
Home Made Medicine e-book