Athlete’s Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that targets the toes first. It generally appears on very sweaty feet that are usually confined to tight fitting shoes.
If one experiences scaly rashes that cause itching, stinging and burning; that individual may be experiencing the signs and symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.
Athlete’s Foot attacks everyone, yes, even women too.
Our Today says stop scratching those funky toes and start doing something about it!
Sometimes, over the counter medicine doesn’t work, therefore these natural remedies may be your next best step.
- OREGANO OIL AND TEA TREE OIL
Oregano oil contains active ingredients like carvacrol and thymol, which help to fight fungus, while tea tree oil gets a lot of good reviews in relation to fighting acne. But tea tree oil has more than one healing purpose; it is an anti-microbial, antiseptic, and antifungal oil. The oils don’t have the best scent, but they have a more antifungal effect than other essential oils.
Treatment: in a container, mix two drops oregano and two drops tea tree oil and apply to affected areas, says Dr. Emily Splichal, a podiatrist in New York City. Another treatment method is to apply the oils twice daily for four weeks. They can help clear up the fungus, plus they can dry out and de-odour feet. You can also add a few drops tea tree oil to a Q-tip and gently place it on the affected area or combine two parts tea tree oil to one-part aloe gel and rub into feet.
Different treatments, same ingredients, get started!
2. BAKING SODA
If you are a carrier of sweaty feet, dry them out with baking soda. The aim of the powder is to keep the feet dry. Studies from B.D Misner, 2007, showed that baking powder can impede on the overgrowth of bacteria and fungus. Therefore, fellow viewers, with athlete’s feet, stop using powder to dry your feet instead of the baking powder!
Treatment: in a container, mix 2 tablespoon baking soda to 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder and sprinkle on feet (get between the toes) and cover with a sock.
3. CORIANDER/CILANTRO OIL
In no way shape or form are we suggesting that you put Thai food on your feet, but the oil from the coriander seeds can prevent the fungus from growing on the feet.
Treatment: Add 30 drops coriander/cilantro oil to a 1-ounce spray bottle filled with witch hazel, shake, and spray on feet and toes. Also, a dermatologist study-case in March 31, 2013, discovered that a topical treatment of 6% coriander oil applied twice daily for 28 days clears up athlete’s foot in 75% of cases.
4. TEA FOOT SOAK
You might wonder, “what kind of crazy am I reading,” because, since fungus needs moisture to grow it really seems nonsensical to put your feet in water. But a soak can actually sooth symptoms and ultimately help dry out feet.
Treatment: Brew two tea bags, add to a pan filled with warm water and soak feet (repeat every day for a week). A 2009 chemotherapy study suggests that tea polyphenols have an anti-fungal effect.
So, maybe give that black tea or mint tea sitting in your cupboard a try?
5. GET THE RIGHT SOCKS
“Socks should be synthetic to avoid holding onto moisture, like cotton socks would,” says Splichal. Socks can work for you when it comes to Athlete’s Foot. It is better to use socks infused with anti-microbial copper, like cotton socks.
Treatment: Soak socks in white vinegar then wash in hot water to kill fungus and avoid reinfection.
6. BE CONSISTENT
While we would wish away Athlete’s Foot, it doesn’t go away overnight, unfortunately. “The biggest thing with anti-fungal treatments, whether they’re prescription or natural, is they take consistency and time,” says Splichal. It can take up to two months of twice-a-day treatment to reduce the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.
Finally, you can cuddle in peace.
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