Athlete's Foot Cure

Athlete's foot, a fungal infection caused by a group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes, develops in the areas between the toes. When these areas stay moist and warm, they provide the perfect environment for the fungi to grow and thrive. The tendril-like extensions of these micro organisms infect the superficial layer of the skin. As a response to this infection, the body fights back by producing more skin cells than usual. Over time, as these cells reach the surface, the skin becomes thick and scaly.

Also known as tinea pedis, athlete's foot develops when the toes are squeezed by tight fitting shoes, thus, creating warm, moist areas between them. Unclean or damp socks and shoes, and humid conditions may also make way for this infection to develop. Not to mention, people who are used to wearing plastic shoes, suffer more from this condition.

Symptoms of this fungal infection include itching, burning and stinging between the toes and soles of the feet. Affected people also suffer from itchy blisters, cracking and peeling skin, dryness of skin, and thick, crumbly, ragged and discolored toenails. This infection is contagious and may spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, through contact with contaminated objects and also from animals to humans.

Medicines to Cure Athlete's Foot

The first line of treatment for athlete's foot is to go for over-the-counter antifungal medicines like Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex), Miconazole (Micatin), Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) and Tolnaftate (Tinactin). If they don't respond well, then prescription-strength topical medications such as Terbinafine (Lamisil), Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and Miconazole (Monistat-Derm) may be prescribed. In some cases, the infection may be so severe that you might require the aid of prescription oral medications which might include Itraconazole (Sporanox), Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Terbinafine (Lamisil).

Natural Cures

# One effective homemade remedy for athlete's foot is using tea tree oil, a potent antifungal agent. All you have to do is take some oil and apply it in the affected areas. Sometimes, the oil might sting and when it does, simply dilute it with any other vegetable oil and apply. Alternatively, you can mix 20 drops of tea tree oil in warm water and soak your feet for 15 - 20 minutes, or until the water stays warm. This method provides great deal of relief to itching and burning.

# Lessen the accumulation of moisture between your toes by rubbing the area with cornstarch. You can also dust your shoes with it, before you wear them. Then comes olive leaf extract, another natural cure for athlete's foot. Rub the extract over the bottom of the feet and give it a wait of 30 minutes. The antifungal property of the olive extract will get rid of the fungus which has caused the condition.

# Soak some cotton ball in a cup of vinegar and rub them gently in between the toes and other affected areas. Repeat this method even after the withdrawal of the symptoms. This is to prevent any recurrences of the infection. Again, as an alternative method, drop a generous amount of vinegar and small amount of salt in warm water and soak your toes in it.

# How can we forget the benefits of one more potent and natural antifungal agent called garlic. You can either take garlic capsules or eat it raw. You can place some fresh slices of garlic in your socks to be absorbed by the skin and help in fighting the infection. Epsom salt has been in use since ages and is popularly known for its healing properties. Make a mix of the salt (¼ cup), boric acid (3 tbsp.) and vinegar (1 cup). Add this mix to warm water and soak your toes in the solution for 15 minutes.

# Sprinkle baking soda in shoes and socks before wearing them. Also, make a paste using warm water and baking soda. Rub this paste between the toes and let it dry. Thereafter, rinse it and ensure that you pat dry the area well. Do not cover the toes and leave it in open air.

To conclude with one more remedy for Athlete's foot, steep some cinnamon in boiling water for about 40 minutes. When the solution cools down, soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Most importantly, keep your feet clean and dry, change socks daily, go for well-ventilated shoes, wear protection in public places such as communal showers, pools, etc, and avoid sharing shoes with others.