Home Remedies For Athletes Foot
Athlete’s foot is the name by which tinea pedis is most commonly known. The typical symptoms of this ailment include itching, flaking, and inflammation of the skin. Tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the skin, and it typically affects the skin of the feet. However, if it is not attended to properly, it can spread to other parts of the body too – areas that are sometimes affected include the underarms and the groin area. Depending on the area that gets infected, the infection may then be called by a different name – for a general infection on any part of the body, the term is tinea corporis, while an infection of the groin area is known as tinea cruris.
Usually, athlete’s foot can be treated very easily, especially when it is limited to the foot – it is therefore important to begin treatment in the initial stages itself. Only if it is neglected will athlete’s foot spread or get out of hand.
An important part of treatment involves keeping the foot dry and clean. You should wash your feet several times a day, and dry your foot thoroughly after each wash. You can powder your feet after you wash them, preferably with an anti fungal powder. Never put on your socks or footwear while your feet are still damp. If possible, wear open shoes, so that the circulating air can keep your feet dry. If possible, you should also change your shoes each day – it is advisable to have at least two pairs of shoes, and wear each pair only every alternate day. Your socks must of course be changed daily, and if you feel the need, you can change them once during the day too.
In addition to these measures, you should soak your feet in a solution of vinegar at least once a day. Add two tablespoons of vinegar to a small tub of water, and soak your feet in this solution for fifteen minutes. Then dry them thoroughly, as usual. If possible, you should do this before going to bed, soon after you wake up, and once more during the day. Tea tree oil also has anti fungal properties, and can be applied on the feet before going to bed. However, this oil is strong and can irritate sensitive skin – you should therefore apply only a tiny amount the first night, and proceed with the treatment only if there is no adverse reaction. You can also dilute this oil in a carrier oil to reduce the chances of a negative reaction.
