Natural Remedies for Itchy Athlete’s Foot
If you are physically fit and have membership to a fitness center or use a public facility like a swimming pool or sauna, chances are that you have had at least one case of athlete’s foot. You would know athlete’s foot if you had it. It is a fungal infection that just loves warm, humid environments. Trapped, warm moisture are the favorite breeding grounds for this fungus that greatly irritates the feet.
Some of the symptoms of athlete’s foot include an itching, stinging or burning sensation on the soles of the feet as well as in between the toes, a favorite warm nook of the body. There may be severe dryness along the soles and sides of the feet. In addition, cracks, scaly areas, blisters or peeling skin may occur on the soles of the feet or again, in between the toes. Occasionally, the athlete’s foot can spread to under the toenails, which then cause toenails to separate from the nail bed or even become dry, brittle and crumbling.
Alternative Treatments to Athlete’s Foot
If you have mild athlete’s foot or traditional over the counter remedies are not working, consider a few home treatments before succumbing to a doctor’s visit and a prescription treatment. It is important that if you notice swelling or pus in the blisters or cracks of the feet however, to see a doctor immediately.
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic as it has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Therefore, it should be a clear winner when it comes to treating athlete’s foot. In several studies, the tea tree oil does help relieve the burning and itching in comparison to a well-known and mostly effective ointment. The stronger the percentage of tea tree oil solution you use, the more powerful it can be at eradicating infection. However, as with any regular medication, there is the possibility of side effects, most notably skin irritation.
Goldenseal, neem oil and even lavender oil all have antibacterial and antifungal properties which can greatly help treat athlete’s foot. With the goldenseal, you use it with thyme to make a foot bath that you soak your feet in. With the neem oil, you need to mix it with carrier oil like almond oil or even olive oil and then spread on the affected feet. A vinegar foot bath also seems to help with the itching and burning that athlete’s foot causes as well as kill off some of the fungal growth.
Preventing the Dreaded Itching and Burning
There are a few ways to prevent athlete’s foot which are quite easy to follow. First of all, when you are in those public areas such as the fitness center locker room or around the public swimming pool, wear flip flops to protect your bare feet. Also, do not wear tight shoes as they can trap moisture, and provide a warm humid place for foot fungus to thrive.
Cotton socks are the best thing for your feet because they are breathable. However, change your socks daily or more often if your feet are prone to sweating. In fact, to prevent your socks from becoming a fungus colony, be sure to wash them in hot water. Also, use a foot powder for your feet, especially during the summer months when feet are much more likely to sweat and contract athlete’s foot.
Possibly related posts:
