What is Athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection. In can be caused by a range of common fungus which can be found in the environment. It is one of the most common foot problems and can affect both young and old. If you suffer from problems with your toes, such as curled-up toes, you are more likely to have a problem with Athlete’s foot.
Symptoms and signs of Athlete’s Foot include redness of the skin and severe itching. You may also notice a musty smell coming from your feet or toes. The most common sources of the fungus are damp environments such as showers, swimming pools, and shoes.
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Can you cure Athlete’s Foot naturally?
Although you should always see and consult with your doctor or podiatrist, you can try both cure and prevent Athlete’s foot naturally. A range of remedies and foot creams for Athlete’s Foot are available at your local pharmacist; however, many home remedies can be as effective as conventional treatments.
Natural remedies will work with your body instead of against it. For instance, essential oils for Athlete’s Foot can be safely used on a long-term basis to prevent future outbreaks of this common fungal infection.
Essential oils for Athlete’s Foot
Are essential oils for Athlete’s Foot a good treatment option and home remedy? Essentials oils are perfectly safe to use when you are suffering from an outbreak of Athlete’s Foot unless the condition has caused sores or blisters in the area, in which case you should immediately see your doctor.
Some essential oils are more useful than others when it comes to treating Athlete’s Foot and at the same time, the most cost-effective treatment options.
Tea Tree Oil to treat Athlete’s Foot
Tea Tree oil is one of the best essential oils to use when you are suffering an acute outbreak of Athlete’s Foot. It is one of the most user-friendly essentials oils and can be applied directly to the skin without having to be diluted.
However, as Athlete’s Foot can spread easily, it is best not to use your hands. Instead, put a rather generous amount of the oil on a cotton bud and dab the cotton gently on to the areas which are causing concern. Tea Tree essential oil is available as a treatment in many different forms such as creams and foot lotions.
During the outbreak, stay away from using foot spas. They will not make the problem better. Dampness can make it worse, and even cause the infection to spread to hands and fingers. Once it has spread, it is much more difficult to treat and control.
Lavender Essential Oil and Athlete’s Foot
To treat Athlete’s foot effectively, you don’t need to use the same essential oil all of the time. Lavender oil has the soothing effect which Tea Tree oil lacks, and you may want to vary or even combine the two oils.
Just like Tea Tree oil, Lavender oil is safe to use without dilution on the skin. Follow the same procedure as for Tea Tree oil, and dab the oil on the affected area gently.
Sleeping at night is often uncomfortable when you are suffering from an outbreak, and to treat your feet to a little mini massage with essential oil of lavender would be a good idea. You may find you will sleep and rest a little bit more comfortably.
How to best prevent future outbreaks of Athlete’s Foot
Focus on preventing future outbreaks once you have got over the acute part of Athlete’s Foot. Tops tips include changing your socks every day, don’t wear the same shoes all of the time, and keep the inside of your shoes fresh. That means airing them out, but you may also want to place cotton buds in a sock and add drops of both essential oils to the cotton.
Read also: Athlete’s Foot Myths
The group of fungus which causes Athlete’s Foot can also be present in your bloodstream. If you suffer frequent outbreaks of Athlete’s foot, consider adding a good quality probiotic to your diet. Probiotics are not only effective when it comes to boosting your immune system. They are also the first line of defense when it comes to treating many skin conditions such as Athlete’s Foot.
Believe it or not, your skin has or should have many living cultures of probiotics. Unfortunately, today’s modern diet is deficient in probiotics, and this has lead to an increased risk of fungal infections.
Good hygiene on the inside as well as the outside is to prevent common fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot. Make sure your shoes are nice and clean, and wear the protective footwear in damp areas such as public swimming pools and showers.
Disclaimer: PediReviews.co.uk does not provide medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
