Athletes Foot Treatment
We can help you relieve and eliminate this irritating problem with a simple, natural athletes foot treatment that is both preventative and cures the problem. Here you will find natural athletes foot treatments, view athletes foot pictures and cure athletes foot at home the natural way.
What Is It?
Athletes foot is the most common fungal infection of the skin experienced by humans. It is caused by a fungi that is naturally occurring on human skin. Under certain conditions the growth of the fungi accelerates and results in the uncomfortable symptoms we know as Athletes Foot.Damp, warm, cramped conditions such as inside shoes and socks are the perfect environment for the start of this problem. It often starts between the toes with itching and redness then develops to scaling and peeling as it worsens. Tiny blisters may also form along the sides and soles of the feet. If the affected area becomes swollen it is probably best to consult a medical professional as the problem may have become a bacterial infection (rather than the fungal infection it may have started out as). Toenails can also become infected and become unsightly as they discolor, thicken and even crumble! Other areas of the body can also be affected (although feet are the most common problem area) including the groin area where it is often known as "Jock Itch".
These Athletes Foot pictures show what this condition can look like both between the toes and under the soles of the feet. Photo Credit: iStockPhoto
Prevention
There are many simple steps you can take on a regular basis to prevent Athletes Foot. This is particularly important if you are susceptible to this problem, but is also just good foot hygiene and foot care. Wear fresh, clean socks every day - change them even more frequently if you need to, such as after exercising, at the end of your work day etc. Natural fibers such as cotton or woolen socks are best.Keep your feet really clean, including a good soapy scrub, every day. Dry you feet really well after bathing, swimming or showering. Use a clean towel each time. You could also use a hair dryer.Try to rotate your shoes so that you are not constantly using the same pair. This allows the shoes time to air and dry out as well. It is also helpful to wear open shoes, such as sandals.Go barefoot whenever you can. It is good for your feet to get fresh air.Apply arrowroot powder to your clean feet to help keep them dry. Avoid products containing cornflour as this can aggravate the problem.
Treatment
Here are some of the ways you can treat and cure athletes foot.TEA TREE OIL Tea tree oil is one of the few essential oils that can be applied undiluted (also known as "neat") to the skin. It has excellent anti-fungal properties and can be used in a number of different ways. It is also anti-septic so can help prevent secondary infection that can occur with cracked skin. Apply the tea tree oil to the affected area two times a day.GARLIC OIL This oil also has anti-fungal properties. You can apply the garlic oil directly to the affected area twice a day. If you find this too strong in either strength or smell it can be diluted with a carrier oil. A strength as low as 0.5% garlic oil can still be effective. PATCHOULI Patchouli is anti-fungal and has skin regenerating properties which are good for dry and cracked skin. It needs to be mixed with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Add 10 drops of Patchouli to 20 ml of a carrier oil such as Jojoba.LAVENDER Lavender foot baths are soothing and can be an effective Athletes Foot treatment. Add a few drops of this essential oil to the foot bath water. It can also be applied neat (undiluted), one of the few essential oils that can be used undiluted on the skin.OTHER EFFECTIVE ESSENTIAL OILS: A number of other essential oils can be helpful in Athletes Foot treatment, so if you already have them on hand, then give them a try: Geranium, Lemon, Lemongrass, Myrhh, EucalyptusAny of these can be used in a salt water foot bath or mixed with a carrier oil as a massage treatment.APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Bathe your feet in a bowl of warm water with about 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider vinegar added for relief.CALENDULA Calendula cream is an effective Athletes Foot treatment. You can easily make your own Calendula cream.
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