Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a very common condition. It is simply a fungal infection of the skin over the feet. It usually affects the skin between the toes, but slowly spreads to other area. You will usually experience a burning sensation of the area, with intense itching, small red blisters, inflamed skin and scaly cracked skin.

Since athlete's foot is a contagious disease, the spores can easily spread from objects used by a person who has it. The disease can spread to other parts of the body since it has a tendency to spread. If the infection is allowed to become very severe, the foot becomes painful and swollen as well.

What Causes Athlete's Foot?

The organism responsible for athlete's foot is a fungus called Tinea. Since fungi thrive in moist places, these breed in public showers or bathrooms. It can also grow on dogs, cats and farm animals, which can quickly transfer the infection by touch. It latches on to people with low immunity, men more than women in general.

Natural Remedies for Athlete's Foot

If the condition is mild, athlete's foot can be treated with any of a number of home remedies. However, if you have severe athlete's foot, you should seek medical help. Below are a list of natural remedies for this infection.

Tea Tree Oil - This oil, extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alterninfolia, is a highly effective anti-fungal agent. Just apply the oil to the affected part several times a day for a week or two for amazing results. The oil kills the fungal growth from the base of the skin, resulting in complete healing. If you use this oil regularly you will never have to fear this infection. One of the strongest anti-fungals available, its efficacy exceeds even that of prescription drugs. It is best used undiluted.

Garlic - This humble spice doubles as a potent anti-fungal, active against a variety of fungal infection. Many ancient anti-fungal and anti-bacterial preparations include garlic as an ingredient. You just need to rub a clove of it on the infected area, or alternatively, mix a crushed garlic clove with a few drops of tea tree oil and rub it gently on the affected area. Once the paste dries, wash it off and then dust it dry with anti-fungal powder.

Thyme - This herb is very useful in treating fungal and bacterial infections. It is a good antiseptic with anti-fungal properties as well. It can be applied in the fresh form, in dried powder form or as the essential oil, with equally good effect.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Mix one part of apple cider vinegar, four parts of warm water and half a cup of Epsom salt in a tub and soak your feet in it.

Cinnamon - Boil a generous quantity of cinnamon bark in water till the flavor starts emanating from the steam. Soak your infected feet in it until the water cools. Cinnamon has amazing antiseptic properties that prevent the fungus from re-infecting your feet. Use daily or just as often as you need to.

Yogurt - This is one of the most effective anti-bacterial foods. It contains live acidophilus bacteria that actively fight other yeast/fungal infections of any kind. Apply a generous quantity of yogurt daily on the affected area for amazing results. It also soothes the irritating symptoms of itching and burning, giving you considerable relief.

Tea - Tea is also an excellent ingredient in fighting athlete's foot. It contains tannic acid, which alleviates the burning and itching associated with athlete's foot and destroys the fungus as well. Put in 8 to 10 bags of black tea in a tub of warm water, put your feet in and keep soaking until the water cools.

Salt - This ubiquitous ingredient is another very effective anti-fungal, though possibly a bit painful. Soak your feet in a tub of warm salt water for about 15 minutes. Dab your feet dry with a towel and then dust some baking soda on your feet to help absorb excess moisture.