curing athletes foot

ATHLETE’S FOOT
Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that affects 20 percent of
the population at any given time. These fungi, called dermatophytes, infect the skin
of the foot, which may result in an intensely itchy, red, scaly rash on the soles of the
feet and between the toes. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot grow in warm, moist
environments, so it may be picked up easily by walking barefoot in public areas such
as bathrooms, swimming pools, saunas, showers, and locker rooms. Athlete’s foot is
diffi cult to get rid of because in socks and shoes, feet provide the same ideal environment
for the fungi to thrive. If you are exposed to the fungi that cause athlete’s foot,
you may be contagious, even if you don’t develop athlete’s foot. Once you have had
athlete’s foot, you are more susceptible to reinfection.
RINGWORM NOT A WORM
Contrary to its name, ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungal infection, the same type
of fungal infection that causes athlete’s foot. Ringworm may be found on any part of
the body, and is more common among children and teens. It can be spread through
person-to-person contact or by sharing personal items such as clothes and towels. Ringworm
earned its name because it causes a distinctive circular patch of itchy, red, raised,
or bumpy skin.
• Degree of discomfort can range from mild to severe
• Heels that crack, scale, or peel
• Infected toenails that may thicken, yellow, fl ake, or crumble
• Intense itching, infl ammation, or stinging on the soles of the feet or between the toes
(usually the third, fourth, and fi fth toes)
• Painful sensations when rubbed or scratched
• Sores or blisters
• Thick, dry skin on the feet
• Affects adults and children, and men more often than women
• Direct contact with fungi in public area
• Person-to-person contact with affected skin
• Warm, moist environments such as wet socks, tight shoes, and sweaty feet will encourage
growth
• Weakened immunity such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS


Some people seem to be naturally resilient to athlete’s foot while others fi nd it to be a persistent
problem. A diet that promotes immune system health and proper hygiene will go a
long way toward prevention.
Dietary Recommendations
The body’s ability to ward off infections depends on the health of the immune system. While
there are no foods that directly treat athlete’s foot, eating a healthy diet that supports the
immune system and detoxifi cation is crucial to prevention and effective treatment.
Foods to include:
• Fibre-rich foods such as whole grains and ground fl axseed support detoxifi cation.
• Filtered water, green tea, and green drinks support detoxifi cation.
• Garlic helps fi ght fungal infections.
• Yogurt with active cultures provides benefi cial bacteria that help prevent overgrowth of
fungus.
Foods to avoid:
• Alcohol weakens the immune system.
• Sugar hampers immune function, so limit candy, sweets, and soft drinks as well as refi ned
starches.
ATHLETE’S UNDERARM?
Because the fungi that cause athlete’s foot can grow on human skin, this type of fungal
infection may spread to other parts of the body such as the groin (known as jock itch),
scalp, and underarm. This is most likely to happen when people touch or scratch the infected
area and then touch another part of their body without washing their hands. Be
sure to wash your hands regularly while treating an athlete’s foot infection. Also, after a
bath or shower, use a different towel to dry an infected area than for the remainder of
your body. Hot-water wash and dry towels immediately after each use.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Although athlete’s foot has obvious signs and symptoms, consult with your doctor for
a proper diagnosis because symptoms may be masking another condition.
Most cases of athlete’s foot may be treated with a prescription or over-the-counter
antifungal medication in the form of an ointment, lotion, powder, or spray. For
mild conditions, a cream such as terbinafi ne (Lamisil), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), or
miconazole (Micatin) may be used. Even in mild cases, athlete’s foot can be diffi cult
to kill. Most antifungal medicines only limit the growth of the fungal infection, which
then allows the fungus to gradually die out as the body sheds infected skin. Follow
the medication’s instructions precisely for optimum effect.
For severe cases, such as when the fungal infection spreads below the surface of
the body, a doctor may prescribe an oral medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox),
fl uconazole (Difl ucan), or terbinafi ne (Lamisil).
Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot
Lifestyle Recommendations
• Wear waterproof shoes or sandals in all public places such as swimming pools and showers.
• Dry your feet and toes thoroughly.
• Wear cotton socks and change socks frequently. Sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch between
toes to prevent moisture.
• Wear comfortable, well-ventilated shoes or sandals.
• Avoid socks and shoes made of synthetic materials, which promote sweaty feet.
• Don’t wear someone else’s shoes.
• Wash all clothes, towels, and bed linens in hot, soapy water.
• For sweaty feet, soak daily for 30 minutes in a footbath with baking soda or salt.
Top Recommended Supplements
Tea tree oil: Has a long history of use for treating skin infections. It contains compounds
that have disinfectant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is used topically as a solution
or in a cream. Three studies have shown that it is effective for treating athlete’s foot.
Dosage: Apply a topical solution that contains 25–50 percent tea tree standardized to contain
10 percent cineole and at least 30 percent terpinen-4-ol. Use twice daily for four weeks.
Creams containing tea tree can also be used at a 10–50 percent concentration. Do not take
tea tree orally. Discontinue use if skin becomes irritated.
TEA TREE RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT
In a double-blind study, 158 people with athlete’s foot were treated with placebo, 25
percent tea tree oil solution, or 50 percent tea tree oil solution, applied twice daily for
four weeks. Both tea tree oil solutions were more effective than placebo at eradicating
infection. In the 50 percent tea tree oil group, 64 percent were cured; in the 25 percent
tea tree oil group, 55 percent were cured; in the placebo group, 31 percent were
cured. Most people did not experience any signifi cant side effects.

Complementary Supplements
Garlic: Has antifungal properties. Dosage: 600 mg of aged garlic extract daily.
Vitamin C: Supports proper immune function. Dosage: 500 mg twice daily.

FINAL THOUGHTS
To prevent and manage athlete’s foot, consider the following:
1. Eat a healthful diet, including whole grains, yogurt, and garlic.
2. Wear waterproof shoes in public areas and don’t share shoes or socks.
3. After bathing, dry your feet thoroughly and apply powder.
4. Wear cotton socks and properly fi tted shoes that don’t promote sweaty feet.
5. Consider tea tree oil solution for the treatment of athlete’s foot.