Athlete Foot: its causes, symptoms, and DIY remedies

Athlete Foot: its causes, symptoms, and DIY remedies

Athlete’s foot (Tenia Pedis) is a type of fungal infection that is caused by dermatophyte fungi. Around 15 to 25% of people are most likely to have this problem in their life. The name is derived due to increased occurrence among athletes (especially due to the wearing of their occlusive footwear). It leads to blisters, cracks, pain, and inflammation in between the toes and foot skin. If not treated on time it can further spread and cause complications such as nail infection, bacterial problems, and even infected lymph system. In this article, we have provided some natural home treatments along with causes, symptoms, and prevention(s).  

What are the causes of Athlete Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused due to fungal infection which is a form of dermatophytosis that lives on the dead layers of skin and eats keratin. 

This skin problem is contagious therefore it can also spread through direct or indirect skin contact such as using the same towel, socks, etc. 

• Walking barefoot on contaminated floors.
• Wearing excessively tight shoes.
• Through animals or pets.

Athlete Foot Symptoms

These are the most common signs found in an athlete’s foot:

• Cracked and peeled off the skin between toe fingers.
• Red or ulcerative skin (Flaky or whitish liquid discharge)
• Severe itchiness
• Inflammation 
• Skin discoloration
• Burning sensation
• Pus-like blisters 
• Dry and scaly skin on the bottom feet

Athlete Foot DIY Home Remedies

Neem Leaves

• Take some fresh (reddish) leaves of neem tree; clean and wash it with fresh water
• Take some quantity of Black pepper.
• Crush both items to make a mixture.
• Daily consume a little quantity of this mixture with water. This will purify the blood from inside. All the symptoms of itchiness, rashes will disappear.

2 Swertia chirata and Panicum antidotale

• Take some amount of Swertia chirata and Panicum antidotale
• Add both in half litres of water
• Store this mixture in a glass container.
• Next day strain the water through a muslin cloth.
• Drink this water every day. 
• Just keep in mind not to consume anything prior 3-4 hours.
• Next day again add water to this mixture. 
• For 4 days you can use the same mixture. After 4 days you will have to take fresh Swertia chirata and Panicum antidotale and repeat; This remedy will give you the most astonishing results within 15 days.

How to prevent Athlete Foot Infection?

These are the certain ways to prevent athlete’s foot and reduce its occurrence, which is as follows:

• Always keep your feet dry.
• Trim the nails regularly. (For infected area use different clipper/sanitized clipper)
• Change your socks regularly (cotton or breathable fabric)
• Avoid tight-fitting footwear. (Choose canvas instead of leather)
• Don’t walk barefoot in public pools. 
• Use antifungal powder on the feet.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towel(s), shoes, socks, etc.

FAQs

Q. What is the strongest treatment or athlete foot?

The strongest treatment would be to prevent the recurrence and maintain proper hygiene of the feet. Also as we have mentioned in the above article the use of Swertia chirata and Panicum antidotale herbs work magically for the treatment of athlete’s foot. These ayurvedic remedies have healing and anti-bacterial properties that give instant relief.

Q. Why is the athlete’s foot not responding to treatment?

Normally the treatment takes around two weeks for its proper cure. But in a few cases, the treatment does not work properly. The main reasons can be a weaker immune system, improper hygiene, and unhealthy habits. 

Q. Is alcohol a good preventive for an athlete's foot?

No! Alcohol should not be used as a preventive measure against an athlete’s foot. As the fungus is normally resistant to low levels of alcohol while high levels can even dry out the skin to the verge of inducing cracks and letting the bacteria in.

Q. How much temperature is required for the athlete foot bacteria to die?

A temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius is required to kill down the bacteria. It is advisable to wash the infected clothes with hot water at least (60 degrees Celsius). Otherwise, by washing in lower temperature water the fungus will enter into other clothes. 

Q. Can an athlete’s foot lead to eczema?

No! Eczema and Athlete foot are absolutely two different skin problems. Each has its own symptoms and causes. Eczema is a noncontagious disease that happens due to genetics, allergies, and stress. Whereas an athlete's foot occurs due to fungal infection.

Q. Why should you avoid scratching the itch?

Scratching on the itchy portion leads to further spread of the problem that may get onto your fingernails. This may be touched to your other body parts or even food, bed sheets, and pillows, etc.

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