Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives on the dead skin cells of the feet. It is common to get this infection between the toes, where it is warm and damp. Inflammation, itching, cracking, burning and blistering are the most common symptoms. Here are some natural treatments for athletes foot.
Why do you get athlete’s foot?
- Your immune system is weaker and was not effective at fighting off this highly contagious infection
- Your feet have been in contact with dirty floor and bacteria. For instance in swimming pools
- Your hygiene is poor or you have sweaty feet
- You wear socks and shoes made of synthetic materials (it promotes dampness)
Healing nutrition to help treat athlete’s foot
- Avoid foods that feed bacteria
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins to strengthen your immune system
- Add garlic to your food whenever you can
- Eat foods rich in probiotics. If you eat yogurt, choose plain and unsweetened yogurt otherwise it is going to feed the yeast.
Supplements for athlete’s foot
- Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic that disinfects and destroys bacteria
- Probiotics helps get back good bacteria
- Garlic destroys fungus
- Zinc inhibits fungus
- Vitamin B complex, vitamin A, C, and E, strengthen the immune system and heal the skin
Herbal treatments to heal athlete’s foot
- Herbs or oils that have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties are tee tree oil, neem oil, oregano oil, black walnut, goldenseal root, pau d’arco or mugwort (applied topically or foot baths several times a day)
- Myrrh and lavender essential oil are soothing when applied topically
- Olive leaf extract is good to combat local microbial infections
- Calendula cream heals cracks
Essential oils
- Cypress
- Lavender
- Melaleuca
- Myrrh
Tissue salts
Kali sulph is the most common tissue salt used for athlete’s foot. Silicea or Calc sulph can also be used.
Other tips for athlete’s foot
- A foot bath with a mixture of vinegar and water can also be effective
- Always dry between the toes after a bath and use a foot powder to keep feet dry
- Keep your feet clean and maintain a very good hygiene
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places
- Wear well-ventilated shoes whenever you can. Bacteria don’t like cold and fresh environments.
- Wear socks made of cotton that absorb humidity, change them daily and wash them in hot water to kill off bacteria
Useful links
- Natural remedies for athlete’s foot (About.com: alternative medicine)
- Herbs for athlete’s foot (Herbal Remedies Info)
References
- Andrew Gaeddert, healing Skin Disorders, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 2003
- Louise Tenney, M.H., Today’s Herbal health, 6th edition, USA, 2007
- Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch, Prescription for nutritional healing, United States of America, 2000
- Siegfried Gursche, Encyclopedia of natural healing, Canada, 1997
- Thomas Bartram, Bartram’s encyclopedia of herbal medicine, The definitive guide to the herbal treatment of diseases, Grace Publishers, UK, 1995
- Disclaimer
J. Beck
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.
Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »
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