Symptoms and Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

Posted by sanjay on Tuesday 31 Mar 2009

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What is Tinea Pedis ?

Tinea Pedis, commonly known as Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet. Found frequently in teenage to adult males, it may occur in women and children below 12 yrs.

Symptoms

Continuous itching between the toes or on the sole is a common sign. Blistered, cracked skin, swelling could indicate superimposed deeper infection (cellulitis). Scaling, redness, painful blistery lesions that ooze water with strong odor, discoloration or crumbling of nails progressive signs. .

Causes

Parasites called dermatophytes are known to cause Athlete’s foot. 4 types of parasites are known of which the very common one is trichophyton rubrum. Being contagious, they are contracted by indirect or direct contact in public places. The fungi breeds in warm, moist places and hence are more common in people wearing tight-fitting clothes or in people who do not dry feet sufficiently.

Some people are predisposed to contracting this frequently due to immunity problem.

Home Remedy

Soak feet in warm water to which crushed garlic or crushed ginger and a little alcohol has been added. Leave for about 10 minutes and then dry thoroughly with a clean towel. . Repeat at least two to three tomes a day.

Alternatively dust the feet with garlic powder or wash with juice of garlic at least twice a day.

Soak feet in hot or warm water to which a cup of Epsom salt and half a cup of Clorox are added. Soak for at least 20 minutes and keep adding hot water to keep the temperature constant. Continue for 3 days or till infection disappears. If the infection is severe with the toenails are reddish or badly discolored, leave for a week and then continue again.

Prevention

Wash feet daily with soap and water. If you are more prone to getting this, apply anti fungal powder on the feet and inside the shoes. Use cotton or wool socks only changing at least twice a day depending on the dampness. Continue treatment for at least 2 weeks after symptoms disappear to ensure effective treatment of infection.

Do not go barefoot in public places like shower, use rubber slippers at least. Thoroughly dry the feet particularly between the toes.