Athlete's Foot a Common Disease - Symptoms Causes Natural Remedies

Athlete's Foot

What Is Athlete's Foot? 

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedi and ringworm of the foot, is a fungal infection that affects the upper layer of the skin of the foot, especially when it is warm, moist and irritated. Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.

                           

The fungus that causes athlete's foot is called Trichophyton, and is commonly found on floors and in clothing.

Athlete's foot fungus will not infect the skin if conditions are not right - it requires a warm and moist environment. Because of this, only about 0.75% of people who regularly walk about barefoot are affected.

                           

Athlete's foot typically develops between our toes and occasionally on other parts of our feet. It usually causes burning, stinging and/or itching. It is the most common type of fungal infection. Although it is contagious, athlete's foot is usually easily treated with OTC (over-the-counter, no prescription required) medication.

What are the signs and symptoms of athlete's foot?

A symptom is something we feel and describe to other people, while a sign can be seen or detected by others. An example of a symptom is an itch, while a sign could be a rash or skin redness.

The skin on the foot, especially between the toes becomes Itchy - there is also a sensation of stinging or burning. The skin may also become:

-dry

-flaky

-red

-scaly

The skin may also crack, there may be oozing or crusting blisters, and swelling. The sole and the side of the foot may develop scaling patterns.

In severe cases there may be large, open cracks which reveal raw tissue. This can be painful and exposes the patient to infections.

If left untreated, there is a risk that the infection spreads from one toe to the next, and then the next, a rash may develop on the sides and the bottom of the feet.

Onychomycosis - the toenails may become dry and crumbly.

If the patient scratches the affected area and touches other parts of his/her body, the infection can spread. Doctors say it is important to treat athlete's foot as soon as symptoms appear. After touching the affected area, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Infection can spread to the hands - this is called tinea manuum. Patients who do not wash their hands immediately after touching the affected area in their foot/feet are at higher risk. Tinea manuum is a rare complication of athlete's foot.

What are the causes of athlete's foot?

The athlete foot fungus,Trichophyton, is related to other fungi that cause infections in human skin, hair and nails, examples include jock itch and ringworm. These infections are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are parasitic; they feed off other organisms to survive.

These fungi exist harmlessly on human skin. However, as long as the skin is dry and clean, their reproduction is limited. Under damp and warm conditions they multiply rapidly.

                            

Thick, tight shoes are more likely to trigger athlete's foot because they squeeze the toes together, creating ideal conditions for the fungus to thrive. Experts say that plastic shoes, which warm and moisten feet the most, are more likely to bring on athlete's foot than those made from other materials, such as leather or canvass.

If your socks are damp and your feet are warm, there is a greater risk of developing athlete's foot.

Athlete's foot can be spread through direct and indirect contact:

Direct contact - this means skin-to-skin contact, as may occur when an uninfected person touches the infected area of somebody with athlete's foot.

Indirect contact - the fungi can infect people via contaminated surfaces, clothing, socks, shoes, bed sheets and towels.

Athlete's foot commonly spreads around swimming pools and communal showers - these places are general humid and warm.

People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing athlete's foot.

NATURE CURES INTERNAL REMEDIES FOR FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Natural foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc are particularly useful to help the body fight off infection. Restoring the body's natural defences by addressing the balance of friendly bacteria in the body is often all it takes to clear yeast and fungal infections in the early stages. This will also prevent and protect against infection in the first place.

Many everyday natural foods have powerful antifungal properties such as: cayenne pepper, garlic cloves (sliced or crushed), tea, chicory, coconut flesh, oil and milk, onions, crushed cloves, potatoes and watercress. They can be used internally and externally to kill off yeast and fungal infections.

Pumpkin, papaya and watermelon seeds contain powerful antifungal properties.

Fruits like apricots, banana, grape, mango, melon, plum, papaya, pears, pineapple, watermelon and all citrus fruits can assist the process of healing.

Probiotics such as unflavoured live yogurt, brine pickles, kefir milk, kimchi, kombucha, miso and brine pickles will also assist the body with fighting fungus and yeast infections.

Also, high fibre foods such as legumes, vegetables and whole grains will bolster the body's defence system.

Drink pure additive free unsweetened cranberry juice without artificial sweeteners.

For lung infections drink plenty of tea (helps to dilate the bronchial airways) especially green tea (contains a multitude of phytonutrients) but avoid coffee. See Dangers of coffee.

Replace sugar with honey, especially in teas, as honey contains enzymes which will also fight off fungal infections whilst sugar will feed the fungi.

To make an infusion, use 1 teaspoon of corn silk, passion flower, common stinging nettle, oregon grape root, oregano, parsley or powdered cloves per cup of boiled water, steep 10-20 minutes and drink up to 3 cups a day. NOTE: Do not drink nettle tea if you have heart or kidney problems.

Place 2 teaspoons of crushed seeds of anise, fennel, coriander, mustard or cumin in a cup of boiled water and steep for 20 minutes then drink this tea three time a day. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Garlic has antifungal properties. Eating at least two fresh garlic cloves a day can prevent and treat yeast infections.

Make a basil tea and use it as a gargle for fungal throat infections. Boil 3 1/2 cups of water, remove from heat, and add 1 1/4 teaspoons ground basil. Cover and steep for 30 minutes. Cool and gargle. Or sweeten to taste with honey and drink 1 cup twice a day.

Make a thyme tea using 1 teaspoon dried thyme per 1 cup boiling water. Steep and drink 1 to 4 cups per day until the infection has gone.

Take seven peppercorns, grind and mix with honey and consume 3 times a day.

Put a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper in water or juice and drink it 3 times a day.

Take 1 teaspoon of black seed powder with honey and drink 3 times a day, 1 hour before meals and 1 before bed. Eat 4 to 5 cloves of garlic each day in conjunction with the black seed and honey.

Consuming comfrey tea and echinacea tea on a regular basis can reduce and avoid infections.

Drink a combination of olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water.

Take 1oz of gentian root powder in a glass of any available liquid.

Water boiled with holy basil leaves can be taken as a drink. This water can also be used as a gargle in the case of yeast infections of the mouth or throat.

Mix 1 teaspoon of Chinese rhubarb root powder to 1 cup of water. Then, bring to boil and simmer at a reduced heat for 10 minutes. Add a little honey to sweeten. NOTE: not suitable for pregnant or breast feeding women, children under twelve years of age, those who suffer from colitis or have intestinal obstruction or have a history of renal stones or urinary problems, or if taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) medicine or  aspirin.

A decoction can be made of grated alum root simmered in a litre of water until the liquid has halved, strain then drink when cooled. NOTE: Alum root may cause gastrointestinal irritation if taken in large amounts.

For lung infection the consumption of swede can help reduce the wheezing.

Goldenseal herb is effective both externally or internally.

Place a tablespoon of chopped burdock root into 1 pint of boiled cold water. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, keep in a cold place and drink 4 times a day. This tea can also be used as a skin and face wash. Apply the cooled tea to the skin with a clean facecloth and rinse in cool water.

For lung infection make a tea with:

2 tsp. powdered Indian root

2 tsp. granulated echinacea root

2 tsp. elecampane root

2 cups of bottled or filtered water

Mix all ingredients and let them steep for 2 hours

To improve breathing make a tea with:

1 tsp. chamomile flowers

1 tsp. echinacea root

1 tsp. mullein leaves

1 tsp. passionflower leaves

1 quart bottled or filtered boiling water

Mix all ingredients and let them steep for 2 hours

WARNING

Avoid cumin, garlic and turmeric if taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication), or hormone therapies and contraceptive pills or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, have heart problems or during the first three months of pregnancy or are breast feeding

Avoid rosemary tea if suffering from high blood pressure, pregnant or breastfeeding

Check the pH of your saliva with pHydrion paper. If your saliva pH is below 7.2 then you may have an imbalance of the bacteria flora in the intestines. To increase your oral pH to a normal 7.2 or greater, drink 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 2 ounces of cooled boiled water. It is that simple to neutralize the acids that cause bacteria imbalance, yeast infections, virus infections, tooth cavities and decay, mouth sores, proliferation of worms and parasites, halitosis, acne, MRSA, anaemia and even oral cancer. Cleaning the teeth with bicarbonate of soda after eating can help to correct the PH balance and avoiding commercial powerful toothpastes and mouthwashes can also help readdress the balance. It has been proved that the strong antibacterial mouthwashes encourages the proliferation of worms and parasites by killing the good bacteria in the intestinal tract.

NATURE CURES EXTERNAL REMEDIES FOR FUNGAL INFECTIONS OF THE SKIN AND NAILS

Maintain proper personal hygiene and be particular about drying between folds of skin, the belly button and around the toes as fungus and yeasts thrive in these areas. Take baths adding tea tree oil, sea salt or any of the the herbal teas listed here to help clear up external infections. Keep house dust down and surfaces clean (see the Hygiene, Toxins and Health page for natural cleaners), eliminate damp and mould from the home, change into clean clothes and wash towels and bedding often.

Pour a very hot bath adding a large handful of fresh mint leaves and leave to steep until the water is bearable for soaking the whole body. Remove the leaves and add one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda then soak in the bath for as long as possible. Use a flannel to gently rub the skin whilst soaking. Do not use soap. Dry with a clean towel and then dress in clean clothes and change bedding. Do this everyday for 3 days and skin infections should clear up.

Adding a large handful of basil, borage, bay, fig, marigold, oregano and/or rosemary leaves, cloves (sliced or crushed) and a few drops of lavender oil, coconut oil and/or tea tree oil to the bath with the mint can also provide extra antifungal properties. Leaves can be soaked in cold water and bicarbonate of soda then rinsed first before adding to the bath to eradicate any mites or bugs.

Rub some pure aloe vera gel (by breaking open the aloe vera plant leaves) onto the areas of infection after the bath can also help.

Lavender oil, oregano oil and garlic oil are excellent home remedies for fungal infections in nails. Apply any of these oils on the under side of the nails two times in a day to heal the infection.

A mixture of one teaspoon of olive oil and two drops of oregano oil can also be applied.

Prepare a paste-like mixture by mixing turmeric powder and water. Apply this paste on the affected area for sometime until it dries. Finally, wash it off with water to ease the symptoms and remove infections, especially in nails.

Applying a light coat of pure tea tree oil on the feet is one of the most effective natural home remedies for foot infections. Continue this natural remedy for at least two weeks to see considerable difference.

Soaking the affected area in a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportions is one of the most effective natural home remedies.

Mix lemongrass with pure coconut oil to apply as a liniment. Add marigold for a more potent healer of fungal infection.

The juice of the common stinging nettle leaves, a tea or a decoction of the root can be used as a wash for fungal infections.

Make a neem leaf paste by simply pounding fresh neem leaves with water using a mortar and pestle. Apply it onto the affected skin and leave for twenty minutes or until nearly dry. Then rinse it off.

Apply a combination of crushed neem leaves and basil with some rose water.

A paste prepared from neem leaves and turmeric powder can also be applied 2-3 times in a day on a regular basis.

Applied locally, holy basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other fungal skin diseases.

A combination of turmeric and basil can treat the infection.

Application of juice extracted from fig leaves can treat infections of the scalp. Black walnut and bay leaves are also effective.

Apply aloe vera gel to infected area.

Borage oil may be applied to areas of fungal infection daily until it has cleared up.

Lemon (as an essential oil) may be applied to infections.

Taking a mixture prepared from lotus flowers and milk twice a day for at least two weeks for infections of the lips.

Many other herbs have the ability to conquer yeast such as: calendula, cedar, comfrey, goldenseal, myrrh,  pau d'arco, reed mace root, and tamanu oil. Make strong decoctions or infusions of these herbs by steeping in hot water for 20 minutes, To ease itching and burning apply externally with pads that have been soaked in it or bathe in hot water that they have been steeped in for 15 minutes.

Apricots, banana, cayenne pepper, chicory, coconut milk, comfrey, garlic tea, papaya, mango, marigold, myrrh, pau d'arco, potatoes, reed mace root, tamanu oil, tea tree oil, watercress, yoghurt (live probiotic) all have antifungal properties.

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THE NATURE CURES DIET TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND RECOVER FROM INFECTION & DISEASE

A wholesome healthy diet of the natural foods below will boost the immune system and help the body to fight off virus, fungal and bacteria infections naturally. If this diet is kept to it will boost the immune system and protect the intestines and the body from any future attacks and infections indefinitely. A noticeable difference will be felt within just one week.

The Phytonutrients, Minerals, Protein and Fibre pages can help you understand body processes and the natural foods it needs to function correctly. The nutritional value of foods is important. Wasting valuable time eating the wrong foods is damaging the body further and allowing fungi, yeasts, viruses, pathogenic bacteria and parasites and worms to flourish each time they are consumed. They all reproduce so fast that just one high sugar and low nutrient meal can help them spread to other parts of the body and cause immeasurable damage.

When fighting off fungal infections stay away from substances that will damage the body further. Cut out sugar, corn syrup and all processed foods as this feeds the yeasts and fungal moulds helping them to proliferate and spread through the body. Check ingredients always to ensure no sugar or corn syrup has been added. Artificial food additives and sweeteners (especially aspartame), alcohol, coffee, medications and toxic substances from pesticides, herbicides, fungicides sprayed onto food as well as cleaning materials and household and cosmetic toxins in the home can all add to the weakening of the body's defences against yeast and fungi and should also be avoided at all costs. See also the Hygiene, Toxins and Health page.

Only consume grass fed organic free range meat and dairy products because the antibiotics and hormones fed to or injected into intensely farmed animals can adversely affect the human body's immune system and interfere with many other processes.

Only eat the following fruit and vegetables if they are organic because of the risk of pesticide ingestion: Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Cocoa Beans, Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Red Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries.

Eating a wide variety daily of whole grains, all colours of fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, oily fish, herbs and spices per day will set the body on the path to full health  Try steaming a wide selection of the vegetables listed with the herbs and spices listed and a tablespoon or two of bottled or filtered water (fastest in the in the microwave 8 minutes approx.) then place in a blender for a deliciously healthy potage soup and eat a small bowl before each meal. Similarly blend a wide selection of the fruits together with nutmeg, cinnamon and honey to provide a tasty nutritious 'smoothie'. Add live probiotic organic yoghurt to make the 'smoothie' or soup creamy.

Drink plenty of bottled mineral water to ingest the trace minerals that work with internal amino acids to build defences in the system. Tap water usually has too much chlorine and fluoride added to it which can build up as toxins in the body weakening it's ability to fight off infection.

Meat (3 times a week)

chicken broth, organ meats, rabbit, venison

FISH (4 times a week)

anchovies, bloater fish, carp, eel, halibut, herring, hilsa fish, kipper, mackerel, octopus, pilchards, salmon, sardines, sea bass, shellfish, sprats, squid, swordfish, trout, tuna (fresh only), whitebait

DAIRY (eggs 3 times a week, yoghurt and kefir milk daily)

eggs, kefir milk, yoghurt (live organic probiotic)

WHOLE GRAINS (at least 1 whole grain everyday)

amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oats, psyllium husks, quinoa, rye, teff

LEGUMES (3 times a week)

black beans, black-eyed peas, broad beans, chickpeas, green beans, legumes, lentils, lima bean, mung beans, navy beans, peas, pinto bean, red kidney beans, soya beans, winged beans

VEGETABLES  (a selection of at least 5 per day meaning all have been eaten at least once a week)

beetroot, bell pepper (red, green & yellow), carrots (raw juice), courgettes, fenugreek, garlic, ginger,  fenugreek, kelp, mushrooms, okra, onion, parsnips, peas, radishes, seaweed, spinach, swede, tomatoes, turnips, watercress

FRUIT (a selection of at least 4 per day meaning all have been eaten at least once a week)

apricot, berries especially blackberries, cherries, grapes, kiwifruit, lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, papaya, soursop, tangerines

JUICE (pure, additive free, unsweetened - daily as often as possible)

beetroot (raw), carrot (raw), cranberry, elderberry, grape, lemon, lime, mosambi, nasturtium (freshly pressed), orange, papaya, pineapple, pomegranate, tangerine

NUTS (as snacks or added to meals daily)

brazil nuts, coconut, hazelnuts, walnuts

SEEDS (as snacks, teas or added to meals daily)

flaxseeds, grape seeds, poppy, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, watermelon

OILS (to be consumed daily especially with carotene contain foods to enable absorption)

coconut oil, flaxseed, grape seed, coconut oil, mullein oil, olive, sunflower, a blend of sesame and rice bran oils

COMMON HERBS (nutritious herbs to be used as often as possible)

basil, cardamom, coriander, cloves, dill, lemongrass, mint, oregano, parsley, saffron, safflower, sage, tarragon, thyme

MEDICINAL HERBS (consume as teas or add to meals as required)

ash gourd, burdock root, comfrey, common stinging nettles, dandelion, echinacea, elecampane, golden seal, ginkgo biloba, huang lian, liquorice root, mullien, noni plant, paico leaf, pan pien lien, passion flower, pau d'arco, periwinkle, slippery elm, yerba santa, white willow

SPICES (nutritious spices to be used as often as possible daily)

all spice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, paprika, turmeric

DERIVATIVES (to be consumed and used as desired on a daily basis)

aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, bergamot tea, bicarbonate of soda, brine pickles, chamomile tea, common stinging nettle tea, ginger ale, green tea, honey, liquorice tea, peppermint tea, pine needle tea, tea, tofu

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AVOID

seeds & nuts if suffering from diverticulitis

almonds if suffering with thyroid problems, kidney & gallstones, joint problems, or osteoporosis

rosemary if pregnant or breast feeding or suffering from high blood pressure

ginger, turmeric, rosemary, Japanese or Chinese knotweed  if pregnant or taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as aspirin and ibuprofen

WARNING: some herbs can react with medications. Check before taking

To benefit from foods containing carotenoids like tomatoes & carrots always eat together with fat rich foods like olive oil, nuts or avocado because carotenoids are fat-soluble, meaning they are only absorbed into the body along with fats and are then converted into the essential vitamin A nutrient.

Posted in: Athlete's Foot