ATHLETE'S FOOT :SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND REMEDIES.
Athlete's foot is a fungal that mainly affects the skin surface between the toes as well as on other parts of the foot. It can spread to other parts of the body as well, including the scalp, trunk, arms, legs, hands, feet and other areas. When it does, it is known by different names such as tinea cruris for infection in the groin area. Athlete's foot is also known as tinea pedis and causes itching, stinging and burning sensation. Caused by fungus Trichophyton, athlete's foot is a communicable disease. The fungus generally thrives in damp and moist areas and affects the upper layer of the skin. A person can get infected if he touches or come in contact with an infected person.
SYMPTOMS OF ATHLETE'S FOOT
- Peeling of the skin surface
- Redness, blisters or softening and breaking down of the skin
- Itching, burning or both in the affected area
- Scaling of the feet
- Slight watery discharge from the affected area
- Bumps on the feet
- Cheesy looking skin between the toes
- Unpleasant odour from the lesion
- Rash that spread to the inside part of the foot
- Dry skin around the affected area
- Thick, crumbly, ragged or discolored toenails
- Cracking of the skin
CAUSES OF ATHLETE'S FOOT
- Keeping toe fingers dirty or wet for a long time
- Wearing unclear synthetic socks
- Wearing plastic shoes
- Bruising or crack on foot
- Spending long hours in bathroom, shower, swimming pool or changing room.
- Excessively sweaty feet
- Coming in contact with an infected person
REMEDIES FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT
A simple home remedy would be a solution of one part of vinegar and four parts of warm water. Soak the feet in solution for half an hour, twice daily.
Form a paste with 1 tsp of baking soda and water. Apply paste on the affected area. Wash away once it's dry.
Immerse your feet for 10 minutes in a solution of 40 drops of tea tree oil into a litre of water. After this, dry your feet with a towel or use a drier to make sure the affected area is not damp. Apply tea tree oil to the affected region.
Mix a part of pure apple cider vinegar with one part of water and soak your feet in it for 20 minutes. Wash your feet before and after immersing with a gentle soap. Ensure the feet is dry after treatment. Do this twice daily for 2 weeks.
Apply cornstarch on your feet including the areas between the toes before putting on socks. This will keep the feet dry and help in curing the athlete's foot.
Put fresh garlic slices in your shoes and wear them throughout the day.
Dissolve 6 aspirin in half cup of rubbing alcohol. Apply on the affection area thrice a day for three days or until its gone.
Soak your feet in a large bowl of warm water .Try to remove as much hard skin as possible. Pat dry your feet and apply a thin layer of oregano oil. It may emit a terrible smell, it is very effective in treating athlete's foot.
