Athlete’s Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Treatment

Athlete’s Foot, also known as Tinea Pedis is a contagious fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It is caused by a fungus called trichophyton.

It mostly develops due to sweat produced by wearing tight-fitting shoes for a long time. Therefore it is commonly found in athletes.

Fungal infections are extremely common, contagious, and can happen to anyone, therefore, If not taken care of, the infection might also spread to the hands and toenails.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot

Common causes Include:-

• Athlete’s Foot Develops when the tinea fungus grows on the foot.
• The fungus might develop due to sweaty feet or by coming into contact with an infected person.
• One might also catch the fungus by coming in contact with the surface where it dwells. It mostly thrives in warm and moist surroundings and is commonly found around swimming pools and shower areas.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Most common Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot include:-

• Itching, burning, cracky, and stinging between the toes or feet.
• Cracking or peeling of the top skin of the feet.
• Itchy blisters.
• Dry skin on the sides and the soles of the feet.
• Development of scales on the skin of the feet.
• Oozy or crusting blisters.
• Discolored and crumbly toenails.
• Inflammation in the infected area.
• Foul smell from the feet.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment and Management

This condition can be overcome by killing the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, for which the home remedies described in Ayurveda can be very effective. But it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s physical condition and environment are different, hence the effect of the home remedies for athlete’s foot mentioned here may also be different.

Home remedies for athlete’s foot include:-

1. Make sure to thoroughly dry your feet with a clean cotton towel after bathing, especially between the toes. You may also consider using “alum” to help prevent fungal infections from progressing.
2. If you wear socks for extended periods, choose absorbent cotton socks and wash them in hot water regularly, to prevent the growth of fungus.
3. Dip your feet daily in a solution of baking soda and water for about 30 minutes. This helps to keep the feet dry by maintaining the acid-base relation of the skin.
4. Boiled cinnamon water can be an extremely beneficial remedy for this infection.
5. Prepare boiled water of about 4 cups with 8-10 cinnamon sticks for a foot bath.
6. Apple cider vinegar, honey, and aloe vera gel are effective external applicants to cure the infection. The application of alcohol with dabbed cotton over the infected area also helps in quick healing.
7. Garlic is observed to be anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial. Its medicinal properties make it an excellent applicant to treat fungal infections. Mince and apply the paste over the infected area at least twice daily. Consumption of a few cloves can also be very effective.
8. The consumption of yogurt daily can prevent the development of trichophyton fungus as it contains acidophilus which fights against fungal infection.
9. Application of lemon water over the infected area of the feet can bear great results as lemon contains Vitamin C which gives a great fight to the fungus trichophyton.
10. Marigold essential oil is an excellent ointment to cure an athlete’s foot in no time.

How to Reduce the Risk of Athlete’s Foot?

Catching an infection can certainly be avoided if we take care of the following precautions. Athlete’s Foot Precautions includes:-

• Avoid walking barefoot in public places, especially locker rooms, swimming pools, or shower areas.
• Do not share socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitted shoes for long and continuous hours.
• Try not to keep your feet wet for too long.
• Regularly wash your feet, especially if they sweat too much.
• Do not overlook a mild nail or skin injury on the foot.

Conclusion

Taking strict care of your feet by following the above-mentioned natural treatment of Athlete’s Foot can help you get rid of the infection in a short span of time. At IAFA we not only promote and encourage patients to stick to natural and ayurvedic remedies to cure certain infections, allergies, and diseases, but we also provide personalized consultancy and appointments to make sure you go through the proper healing procedures with medical assistance. To avail of proper ayurvedic guidance and treatment along with these home remedies, get in touch with us by booking your appointment now.