Athlete's Foot

Symptoms

Medically known as tinea pedis, athlete's foot is an annoying and persistent skin problem. It is also among the most common of fungal infections. Typically, the symptoms begin with small, water-filled blisters that soon become moist, inflamed patches that burn and itch. The affected skin sometimes also appears as softened, white patches that peel off easily. Painful tears in the skin follow. This particular fungus thrives on the dead skin cells of the calloused foot. Flourishing in a damp environment, athlete's foot tends to settle between the toes, around the toenails, and upon calloused areas of the sole.

Athlete's Foot Causes

Highly contagious when a person's infection resistance is poor, this fungus is caught from public showers and wet floors used by other athlete's foot sufferers. Reinfection is common from the use of socks harboring fungal spores. A susceptibility to infection must exist for the fungus to thrive, and this often results from a changed intestinal flora after a dose of antibiotics. Poor hygiene and sweaty feet also produce an environment favorable for the growth of this fungus. Socks and shoes made of synthetic materials hinder air circulation and promote dampness.

Athlete's Foot Nutrition

A diet rich in the vitamins and minerals needed to support the immune system is important. Eat whole grains and raw fruits and vegetables while avoiding excess sugars and refined food. Eat natural, unsweetened yogurt, kefir and other lactic acid fermented foods, such as raw sauerkraut, to inhibit the spread of the fungal infection. Garlic is a potent antifungal agent.

Athlete's Foot Nutritional Supplements

Fungal infections are more likely to occur when the body's resistance to infection is low. Natural bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements are essential in the treatment of any candida infection. Taken internally, these bacteria combat the growth of fungi everywhere in the body.

Vitamins that increase resistance to skin fungal infections are vitamins A, B complex and C. B vitamin supplements help resolve stubborn fungal infections, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system and vitamin A supports the health of the skin. Zinc further increases resistance. Add garlic capsules to the diet, as garlic has strong antifungal properties.

Daily dosages with meals:

Most Important

Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1-3 capsules or 1 tsp.

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

Zinc, 35 mg, with 3 mg copper

Garlic, 4,000 mcg three times daily

Helpful

Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg one to three times daily

Athlete's Foot Herbal Remedies

Soak feet regularly for thirty minutes in a strong infusion of mugwort, black walnut or goldenseal root. Medicinal plants have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties which are effective for alleviating athlete's foot.

Tea tree oil is also an excellent antifungal. Add a few drops to water before washing feet.

During the day, powder feet with goldenseal root mixed with arrowroot powder. Use calendula cream for cracks.

Rub black walnut or thyme extract on infected skin twice daily to destroy fungus.

Athlete's Foot Homeopathy

Homeopathy treats athlete's foot by boosting the immune system. An experienced homeopath should be sought for constitutional treatment.

Athlete's Foot Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets four times daily under the tongue for one week. If the tissue salt seems to be working, but has not resolved the condition, continue using at the same dosage and frequency.

Kali sulph is the principal tissue salt for athlete's foot, as well as for many different types of skin conditions. The skin eruptions are often watery, yellow and foul, or dry, scaly and peeling. Heat aggravates.

Silicea will often help persistent fungal eruptions that itch, accompanied by perspiration on the feet and hands, and brittle nails. Cold aggravates and warmth improves the condition.

Calc sulph should be used for thick, yellow discharges when the skin is unhealthy and refuses to heal.

For clear, watery blisters that cause burning and irritation, use Nat mur. Later, the skin can form thin, transparent scales.

Athlete's Foot External/Physical Therapies

Fungus thrives in damp, moist conditions. Thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, after showering or swimming. Use a new towel after each bath. A hair dryer is very useful in drying cracks between the toes.

Soak an absorbent cotton cloth in undiluted whey concentrate and leave on the infected area over-night. Wear cotton socks to hold the cloth in place.

Avoid wearing socks made from synthetic materials, and shoes that hinder air circulation, as these promote dampness.

Walk barefoot whenever possible (not on synthetic fiber carpets). Regular barefoot dew or snow walking and Kneipp alternating foot baths help correct the problem.

Put baking soda on feet to absorb moisture.

Get rid of bathmats and wooden showergrids—they are breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria.

Wash the tub and shower floor daily with a solution of 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 qt. water.

Athlete's Foot Other Suggestions

Be careful not to spread the infection to the groin area which causes jock itch. Put on your socks before your underwear.

Athlete's Foot Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Vital-Plex Acidophilus (Klaire Laboratories)

Zinc Plus (Klaire Laboratories)

Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)

Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Yeast Busters (Inno-Vite)

Garlic Plus FOS (Quintessence)

External Therapies

Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic Balm (Flora)

Cypress Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Lemon Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Tea Tree Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Skin Spray (Nutribiotics)