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DESCRIPTION
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that thrives in an environment of warmth and dampness. It is the most common fungal infection of the skin and affects about 4 percent of Americans, mostly men. The fungi live off the dead skin cells and calluses of the feet, especially on the skin between the toes.
The fungal infection we know as Athlete's Foot is not a terribly serious ailment, but it can be nasty, unsightly and extremely itchy. Usually, the fungi begin to grow between the toes, where the skin is warm and moist. Tight shoes with poor ventilation worsen these conditions. When fungi infect the skin, the area begins to itch, and tiny blisters appear. The fungi can also spread to other areas of the food, affect both feet and even infect other family members unless precautions are taken and treatment is followed.
While it is true that diabetics and people who eat a good deal of yeast and sugar are more susceptible to the condition, the fungi are indiscriminate - they attack anyone. So take steps to prevent infection, as that, of course, is the most effective treatment. Dry feet, ventilated shoes and clean socks are musts to avoid the condition. Once the Athlete's Foot fungi have established themselves, they are hard to rout. Natural remedies, such as footbaths, essential oils, a nutritious diet and antifungal salves, however, may relieve and resolve the problems.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Inflammation.
Burning.
Itching.
Scaling.
Cracking.
Blisters.
CAUSES
The fungus that causes athlete's foot spreads rapidly when:
- Beneficial bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics, drugs, or radiation.
- Especially prevalent and highly contagious in warm, damp places such as gyms and swimming pool locker rooms.
TREATMENT
HOME TREATMENT
Wash your feet twice daily, and dry them thoroughly afterwards, particularly between the toes. Use a clean towel each time to prevent spreading the infection.
Wear cotton socks and change them daily. Avoid panty hose and acrylic socks that do not breathe.
Go barefoot when you can, or opt for sandals or other well-ventilated shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
Disinfect your shoes by wiping the insides with Tea-Tree Oil or vinegar and water.
Expose your feet to sunlight. Since fungi prefer dark and are killed off by bright light, expose your feet to the sunlight as often as possible. Sunlamps and ultraviolet light therapy will bring similar results.
Take Care! - While prevention is the best solution for Athlete's Foot, natural therapies can thoroughly deter the fungi from reappearing if you do become infected. Continue treatment until all signs of athlete's foot have disappeared. If the condition becomes worse or doesn't clear up in 4 weeks, see your health care provider.
CONSIDERATIONS
Several over-the-counter antifungal drugs called azoles are considered among the best treatments for Athlete's Foot. These include clotrimazole (in Lotrimin AF), micronazole (Micatin, Zeabsorb-AF), and undecylenic acid (Cruex, Desenex). A newer antifungal medication called terbinafine (Lamisil) cream is also available and is completely effective.
Athlete's foot can become complicated by a fungal toenail infection. Keep the toenails clean, but do not use a metal file that can damage the nail and give the fungus a place to grow. If the toenails become thick and discolored, see a podiatrist.
Those with recurrent fungal infections of the feet often have a fungal infection in the groin area. Both areas must be treated simultaneously. To prevent transmission of the foot fungus to the groin area, put clean socks on before putting on your underwear when dressing.
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Candida
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
FOOTBATHS: Itching can be reduced and infection contained with regular footbaths. After a footbath, make sure your dry your feet well, especially between the toes since fungi grows best in warm, dark, damp places.
Drink 3 cups of Pau D'Arco tea daily. Pau D'Arco tea can also be used topically. Prepare a strong Pau D'Arco tea, using 6 tea bags (1/2 cup of Pau D'Arco herb) to 2 quarts of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes. You can add 20 drops of Aerobic 07 from Aerobic Life Industries for a little extra help, if desired. Soak your feet in this mixture for 15 minutes 3 times daily for quick relief. Be sure to dry them thoroughly. You can also use Thyme Leaves in the same way.
Essential oils deter fungi. Antifungal oils, such as Tea-Tree, Thyme and Lavender, can discourage athlete's foot. Mix 5-10 drops of any of these essential oils and a few drops of Jojoba Oil into Calendula Salve, and massage the affected skin three or more times a day. The oils can also be added to footbaths.
As an alternative footbath, add 20 drops of Tea-Tree Oil to a small tub of water, and use this to soak your feet for 15 minutes 3 times daily. After soaking your feet, dry them thoroughly and dab a few drops of undiluted Tea-Tree Oil on the affected area. Tea-Tree Oil is a powerful natural anti-fungal.
CALENDULA SALVE: Calendula is antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Blend 1 cup of Calendula Oil with 1 ounce of melted Beeswax and massage the affected areas with the blend several times daily. Calendula salves are available commercially, as well.
HONEY COMPRESS: The antibiotic and antifungal effects of honey may hasten the healing of highly inflamed skin afflicted by athlete's foot fungi. Spread honey onto a compress or a clean handkerchief, and place it on the affected skin overnight. Secure the compress by wearing a clean cotton sock.
ANTIFUNGAL OIL: Mix 2 teaspoons each of Jojoba and Tea-Tree Oils with 1 drop each of Lavender and Thyme essential oils. Before bedtime, massage the blend thoroughly into the affected foot. Cover with a clean cotton sock and leave on overnight. Repeat the procedure nightly until you notice some healing results.
ANTIFUNGAL GARLIC HAS HEALING POWERS: Garlic has strong antifungal components that may clear up Athlete's Foot. Cut raw garlic into tiny pieces and wear them in your shoes for a few days. The healing components are absorbed into the skin. You can also massage garlic oil onto the affected area or add it to a footbath. Or, try dusting your feet with garlic powder. Though there are non-prescription anti-fungal drugs available, it is believed that garlic works better.
ALOE VERA FOR SOOTHING MOISTURE: The thick gel of the aloe plant contains components that soothe and moisturize your skin, relieving the itch of Athlete's Foot. Scrape the gel from freshly cut aloe leaves with a spoon, and apply it directly to the affected area 3 times daily. Or you can purchase aloe salve from a pharmacy or health food store. Follow label instructions. Ointment containing Echinacea or Tea-Tree Oil applied topically may also help ease the itch of Athlete's Foot.
Aloe Vera Skin Gel, Herbal Aloe Force, Organically Grown, Unprocessed, Whole Raw Aloe Vera, 4 fl. oz.
Tea-Tree Cream Antiseptic, Bulk, 1 Gallon
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are susceptible to Athlete's Foot, eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, broiled fish, broiled skinless chicken, whole grains, and yogurt and other acidophilus-containing foods, to deter fungal growth. Drink plenty of quality water.
Avoid foods that contain acid, such as red meat. Other foods to avoid are cola drinks, processed foods, refined grains, and all forms of sugar. Do not eat fried or greasy foods.
Take supplements of vitamin A, B, and C as outlined under "Nutrients".
Keep your feet dry. After bathing, dry carefully between your toes. Make sure to use each towel only once before laundering. Wear absorbent socks made of cotton. Air your shoes out and change socks daily. Wash socks, towels, and anything that comes into contact with the infected area in very hot water, with chlorine bleach added if possible.
Take care to protect your feet from direct contact with floors in communal areas such as locker rooms. Wear shoes or slippers in such places. Do not share shoes, socks, towels or anything else that comes into contact with the feet. Wear well-ventilated shoes such as sandals, leather shoes, or sneakers with holes that allow your feet to breathe. Do not wear shoes made of rubber or vinyl material. Try not to wear the same shoes every day, and be sure to change wet shoes immediately.
Vinegar bath for fungus infection. Mix 2 large cups of apple cider vinegar with 3 quarts of cold water. Bathe your feet for 30 minutes in the mixture. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times daily.
Bathe your feet daily in a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and water. Dry them thoroughly and apply pure, unprocessed oil, such as olive oil, to the infected area. Or soak your feet in a solution of 2 teaspoons of salt in a pint of warm water for 10 minutes. Repeat this treatment daily until the condition clears up.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Mother), Organic, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health Organic Apple Cider Vinegar contains "Mother" of vinegar that is formed naturally in unpasteurized vinegar by the acetobacter.
To ease pain and itching, use cold compresses. Soak a white cotton cloth in Burow's solution (available in drugstores) dissolved in 1 pint of cold water. Apply compresses several times a day for 15-20 minutes at a time.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Essential Acidophilus 1 tsp in water twice daily, on an empty stomach. Replenishes the "friendly" bacteria that inhibit pathogenic organisms. Use a non dairy formula.
Acidophilus Supplement Powder, Non-Dairy, 3 oz. Bulk,
Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Kosher Liquid, All Natural, Vegetarian, Lactose Free, Apple-Strawberry Flavor, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.,
Acidophilus & Bifidus, NOW Foods, 8 Billion, 60 Caps,
Primadophilus Bifidus, Nature's Way, 71 mg, 180 VCapsColloidal Silver Apply topically as directed on label. A natural antibiotic and disinfectant. Destroys fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Promotes healing.
Colloidal Silver Liquid, SilvaSolution, 10 ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver, Trace Minerals, 8 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver Salve, SilvaSolution, 2 oz.Very Important Garlic (Kyolic) 2 capsules 3 times daily.
Fresh Garlic: 2-3 cloves 3 times daily.Aids in destroying fungus.
Super Odorless Garlic, NOW Foods, 5000 mg, 90 Caps,
Garlic Bulb Cloves Supplement, Nature's Way, 580 mg, 100 Caps,
Garlic Oil, NOW Foods, 1500 mg, 250 Softgels,
Important Kyo-Dophilus
(From Wakunaga)As directed on label. Contains acidophilus and aged garlic extract, both beneficial in treating fungal disease. Vitamin B Complex As directed on label. Needed for healthy skin. Use a yeast-free, high-potency formula. A sublingual form is best.
Ultimate B Complex Formula, Nature's Secret, 60 TabsVitamin C 3,000 - 10,000 mg daily 3 times a daily, in divided doses. Reduces stress and promotes immune function. Use a buffered form.
Vitamin C Liquid, W/Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 W/Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
Meta C Vitamin C Supplement, 1000 mg, 100 Tabs,
The Right C Powder, Nature's Way, 120 gZinc 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Inhibits fungus and stimulates the immune system.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Ionic Zinc, 50 mg, Trace Minerals, 2 fl. oz.,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 CapsHelpful Aerobic 07
(From Aerobic Life Industries)9 drops in a glass of water 2 times daily. Also apply a few drops directly on affected areas and let dry. Supplies oxygen to the cells, which kills germs and harmful bacteria. Essential Fatty Acids
(Fish Oil From Omega-Life & Ultimate Oil From Nature's Secret are good sources.As directed on label. Promotes healing of skin disorders.
Ultimate Oil, Essential Fatty Acids Supplement, Nature's Secret, 90 Softgels,
Salmon Oil Capsule, NOW Foods, 2000 mg, 120 EPA/80 DHA, 250 Softgels,
Flax Seed Oil, 100% Organic, Pure & Unfiltered, Barlean's, 32 fl. oz.
Pure Flax Oil, Barlean's. 1000 mg each, 250 SoftgelsVitamin A 50,000 IU daily for 1 month, then reduce to 25,000 IU. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Needed for healing of tissues and to stimulate the immune system.
Vitamin A, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 10,000 IU, 100 SoftgelsVitamin E Start with 400 IU daily and increase slowly to 1,000 IU daily. An antioxidant that promotes healthy skin.
Vitamin E-1000, d-Alpha Tocopherol, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Vitamin E, d-Alpha Tocopherol, Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
ATHLETES FOOT SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Beneficial Dietary Supplements:
- Colloidal Silver is a natural antibiotic and disinfectant.
- Garlic aids in destroying fungus.
- Vitamin B Complex is needed for healthy skin.
- Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids reduces stress and promotes immune function.
- Zinc inhibits fungus and stimulates the immune system.
- Oils of Myrrh and Lavender help ease cracking, redness and itching when applied to the feet topically.
- Olive Leaf Extract heals microbial infections.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & SUPPLEMENTS
Rosemary Leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Rosemary has been traditionally used for tension headaches, stimulating circulation, strengthening the nervous system. Good tonic for the heart and for high blood pressure.Anti Fungal Treatment with Pure Ultra Aloe and Tea Tree Oil, 1 fl. oz.
Stops the spread of fungus to healthy skin and nails, soothes irritated skin, and relieves itching, scaling, discoloration and odors.Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Vcaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Nature's Antiseptic Tea Tree Oil & Grapefruit Seed Extract, CJ Puotinen, Paperback
Nature's Warfare, this book covers tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract use in safely destroying viruses, bacteria, molds, yeasts and parasites that want to live in us and on us.Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook, 2nd Edition By Cynthia Olsen
For nearly a century. Australian tea tree oil has been proven clinically effective for over 100 various skin conditions.Fungus Relief Remedy, 2 fl. oz.
Fungus Relief not only kills fungus, but suppresses secondary infection by killing harmful bacteria. Excellent for Jock itch or athlete's foot infections.Herbal FungX Toenail Fungus Treatment, 100% Organic, 0.5 fl. oz.
The combination of Emu, Wild Oregano, Potassium Iodide, DMSO, Tea Tree Oil & Grapeseed Extract work together to as an Toenail Fungus Treatment.Yeast & Fungus Infection Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Yeast & Fungus Infection Formula is used to help fight yeast infections and athlete's foot.NutriBiotic Body & Foot Powder, w/ Grapefruit Seed Extract, All Natural, 4 oz.
Grapefruit Seed Extract Body and Foot Powder is actually a multi-purpose product. It is extremely pure and mild and therefore may be used all over the body on adults as well as children.Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic Solution (15% Water Soluble), 2 fl. oz.
Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic Solution can be used for mixing with water for douching, athlete's foot, facial problems and bathing.Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), Liquid Concentrate, 1 gallon
Grapefruit Seed Extract may be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including Candida infections, sore throats, intestinal upset, etc. May also be used to purify drinking water when camping or traveling to foreign countries.Oxygen Foot Bath Powder, 10 (15 gram packets) w/ Organic Alpine Herbs (Oel Fussbad)
This Oxygen Foot Bath Powder, used by Olympians, refreshes tired, sore and burning feet. Its deep cleansing action deodorizes and disinfects.Miracle Foot Repair Cream, 60% Pure Aloe, 8 oz.
Miracle foot repair cream instantly relieves dry, cracked, itchy feet from the very first time you use it, guaranteed. Just apply Miracle Foot Repair Cream and watch dry, bumpy skin becomes baby soft.Oregano Oil (wild) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Oregano Oil Tincture is used internally for joint pain, aching muscles, chronic cough, infections, asthma and bronchial congestion. Topically as an anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and anti-bacterial.NutriBiotic Hand & Body Lotion, 8 fl. oz. w/ Grapefruit Seed Extract & Aloe Vera
Hand & Body Lotion has been laboratory proven to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria within 1 minute after application.Burdock Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
An herbal treatment for psoriasis and a promising HIV herb, Burdock is also a blood purifier.NutriBiotic Skin Ointment, w/ Grapefruit Seed Extract & Lysine, 0.5 oz.
NutriBiotic Skin Ointment with GSE can be used topically for such things as scrapes, scratches and cuts. NutriBiotic Skin Ointment with GSE can also be used on the lips and in the mouth on cold sores and canker sores.Deodorant Stick, with Grapefruit Seed Extract, Unscented, 2.6 oz.
Grapefruit Seed Extract deodorant actually helps to eliminate odor causing bacteria instead of just masking it with a perfume. Our deodorant is completely unscented and fragrance free.Burdock Root, Certified Organic, 540 mg, 100 Caps
Burdock is a natural blood purifier and detoxifier. It is favored for helping the body maintain healthy skin. It nourishes the urinary and respiratory systems, and also nutritionally supports joints and other skeletal tissues. It is reported to promote glandular and hormone balance, as well as remove accumulations and deposits around the joints.Immune System Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
The Immune System Formula can be used for AIDS, Auto-immune Diseases, and Cancer.Sambucol Immune System Formula w/ Elderberry & Echinacea, 7.8 fl. oz.
Sambucol Immune System Elderberry Formula supports your natural defenses against the Flu, and Colds, and is especially popular during the winter season.SystemWell Ultimate Multisystem Immunity, 180 Tabs
Having trouble staying healthy? Are you feeling physically and mentally fatigued? Are your defenses constantly run down? You're not alone. Too often our immune systems are left weak by the lifestyle choices we make, leaving us vulnerable to germs, bacteria and other microorganisms that seemingly attack from all angles.Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract, 7.8 fl. oz., Nature's Way
Sambucol is used by millions of people with positive results being reported worldwide, Sambucol is especially popular for promoting good health against the Flu and Colds during the winter season.Sambucol Immune System Formula, 30 Lozenges
Sambucol Immune System Formula Lozenges support your natural defenses, and are especially popular during the winter season. Sambucol black elderberry extract has been used by millions of people with positive results being reported worldwide.
OTHER HELPFUL PRODUCTS & INFORMATION FOR ATHLETES FOOT
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have questions about athlete's foot and therapies available.
If the condition does not clear up in 4 weeks, if there is pus in the blisters or in the cracked skin, if a fever develops, or if there is a swelling in the foot or leg, see your health care provider. Severe cases may require medical attention.
HerbalRemedies: Athlete's Foot Information
Herbal Remedies: Athlete's Foot Supplements, Information & Products
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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