Athlete's Foot

The most common fungal infection of the skin, athlete's foot typically begins between the toes, causing itching, scaling and sometimes painful breaks in the skin. This generally harmless but extremely uncomfortable condition cal be relieved by using various natural remedies.

What it is  "Athlete's foot" is the common term for a fungal infection called tinea pedis. The fungi that cause it are tiny, plant-like cells found an the skin of all humans. They can multiply out of control under certain conditions. They thrive in cramped, damp places, such as inside shoes and socks. In some people, athlete's foot occurs entirely between the toes, where the skin cracks, peels and breaks down. In others, the infection appears of the soles and sides of the feet or affects the toenails.

What causes it  The most common fungi responsible for athlete's foot are called Trichophytons. Although poorly ventilated shoes and sweaty socks provide an excellent breeding ground for the fungi, athlete's foot is not highly contagious, so walking barefoot in a changing room does not increase your risk.


SYMPTOMS

• Scaling and peeling between the toes. In severe cases, there may be cracks between the toes.
• Redness, itching, scaling, and tiny blisters along the sides and soles of the feet.
• Soft and painful skin.
• Infected toenails that can become thickened, discolored or crumbly.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

• If there's no improvement within 7-10 days after starting treatment with supplements.
• If home treatment does not produce a complete cure within four weeks.
• If any area becomes red and swollen, a sign of a more serious bacterial infection.
• Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

Supplement recommendations
SUPPLEMENT	DOSAGE	COMMENTS
Vitamin C	1000 mg 3 times a day.	Long-term use may prevent recurrences; reduce dose if diarrhoea develops.
Tea tree oil	Apply to affected areas of skin twice a day.	Never ingest tea tree oil.
Garlic oil	Apply oil to affected areas of skin twice a day	Can be used in place of tea tree oil.
Calendula	Apply cream or lotion to affected areas twice a day.	Creams should contain at least 2% calendula. Use with caution of you're allergic to daisy-like flowers.

How supplements can help  Many doctors prescribe conventional antifungal medications for persistent cases of athlete's foot. These drugs can be very effective - and quite costly. For milder cases, supplements can be an inexpensive way to combat the infection; symptoms should begin to clear up within a week.
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, promotes immune function and helps the body to fight fungal infections. It can be taken while using any of the topical supplements listed in the chart.

Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antifungal agent that alters the chemical environment of the skin, making it inhospitable to fungal growth. Effective topical preparations include creams or lotions containing tea tree oil as one of the top ingredients, or make your own by adding two parts of tea tree oil  to three parts of a neutral oil, such as almond oil. For an antifungal foot bath, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a small tub of warm water; soak your feet in this mixture for 15 minutes two or three times a day. Dry your feet well and dab a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil onto the affected areas. If pure tea tree oil irritates your skin, use one of the topical preparation described below.

Try rubbing garlic oil directly into the affected areas. Garlic contains a natural fungus-fighting substance that can help to clear up athlete's foot. Another way of using garlic to treat athlete's food is to dust your feet with garlic powder. Finally, calendula is another useful option. Derived from a golden, daisy-like flower, and widely available in health-food stores, this herb relieves inflammation and soothes the skin, which promotes healing.


What else you can do

• Keep your feet clean and dry. With a hair dryer set on low, dry your feet. If you prefer to use a towel, wash it after each use.
• Wear clean, dry socks. Air your shoes after each use, and don't wear the same pair every day.
• Go barefoot when you can , or opt for sandals or other well-ventilated shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
• Try over-the-counter antifungal lotions and powders; but avoid those that contain cornflour, which can encourage fungal growth.
• Cur your toenails straight across to help prevent fungal infection.

Source - The Healing Power of Vitamins Minerals and Herbs (Readers Digest)