Athlete’s foot is known by doctors as Tinea Pedis.
This is a severe fungal skin infection that initially starts between your toes, but it can easily spread to the surrounding areas as well if you do not take care of it in time.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include a large scaly and itchy rash.
This rash will be very painful to the touch and it will feel as if your skin is burning.
In case the infection is particularly severe, you might also experience blisters or ulcers that will make walking and other activities very painful.
The Main Causes of Athlete’s Foot
You might be surprised to know that this condition is not something that only young athletes catch.
In fact, the fungus responsible can be found in various places other than just infected showers or towels.
Some of the more common causative factors include the following:
- A poor or weakened immune system
- Coming into contact with anyone who already has this infection
- Sharing stuff such as towels, socks and other garments with an infected person
- Taking a shower with infected people or sharing the same swimming pool
- Wearing damp and tight shoes for an extended time
In a nutshell, exposure to the various fungus strains that cause athlete’s foot can help spread the infection.
However, it is ultimately your own personal health that has a whole lot to do with precisely how your body will handle prolonged exposure to the fungus.
If the internal ecosystem of your body will be well-balanced, you will be able to enjoy a better auto-immune system.
After all, we have plenty of bacteria inside us that co-exists with our own cells.
If due to sickness, weakness or any other reason the balance is knocked out of kilter, then it will lead to an increase in harmful microbes both over and under the skin.
This means recurring cases of nail fungus and athlete’s foot.
Fortunately, athlete’s foot is not very difficult to treat as such. In fact, it responds very well to home-based natural treatment.
Let us take a quick look at the more effective, 100 percent natural treatments for this ailment:
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is known to very effectively eliminate the fungus that causes Athlete’s foot.
It can not only kill the fungus on the surface of the foot but also any underlying bacteria and fungus that can make the initial outbreak much worse.
This holds particularly true if the affected area has already developed blisters and pustules full of bacteria.
You should pour the hydrogen peroxide right onto the infected area.
Yes, the odds are that it will sting a bit. You might even see it bubbling over the surface, especially over an open wound.
However, this is part of the treatment and you should not remove it.
You should continue treatment at least twice a day until the infection starts to subside and disappears entirely.
However, it is imperative that you continue treatment even after you feel that there are no symptoms left.
This is the best way to ensure that the infection does not reappear.
Neem Leaf Extract
Neem leaf extract has some pretty incredible antifungal capabilities.
This makes it especially useful for combating an athlete’s foot infection.
You should apply neem oil extract directly on and around the affected area at least three times a day.
It will also help in treating any residual infections under the toenails as well.
Rubbing Spirit Or Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a staple item that is found in almost every household.
This is because it is used to clean small cuts and bruises.
But apart from acting as an antiseptic, it can also help to effectively eliminate the fungus responsible for athlete’s foot.
If you feel that it stings too much, you can take a simple footbath with 70% rubbing alcohol and 30 % water.
You should do this daily for at least 30 minutes until the infection recedes completely.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Natural Remedy
Apple Cider vinegar can help with everything from dandruff to heartburn.
It is also an excellent home remedy for many mild cases of athlete’s foot.
It is known to be highly beneficial against many different kinds of fungal infections.
You may take it to keep your internal microbe population in balance.
There are two ways of using this product.
Either you can take a foot bath for half an hour or alternately, you can apply ACV directly to the infected area with a cotton ball.
However, pure ACV will definitely sting a bit, so it is better to simply take a foot bath.
In this case, you should use 2 cups of water mixed with half a cup of ACV.
Bitter Orange Extract
Bitter oranges have been used for a very long time in both traditional Chinese medicine as well as in the medicines used by certain native tribes in the Amazon rain forest.
Bitter orange oil is a very well-known fungus fighter.
Along with athlete’s foot, this extract can also help to clear up jock itch and ringworm.
The best treatment is to use a watered-down version of this oil on your feet at least thrice a day every day.
With continuous application, you may see the infection clear up within 10 to 14 days at most.
However, it is very important that you should use it only in diluted form.
This is because bitter orange can easily inflame your skin if used at its full potency.
Moreover, it can also give you a severe sunburn if you are not careful.
This is why you should be very careful to protect your delicate skin from the harsh UV radiation of the sun if you start using it.
Conclusion
The above athlete’s foot natural remedies are perfect for people who are not interested in using prescription drugs that can cause many side effects.
With that said, it is important to understand that for a particularly severe infection, it is important that you head to your GP as soon as possible.
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