| | | | Other Names | | | Foot Fungus, Fungus of the Foot, Fungal Infection.
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| | | Athlete's Foot is a somewhat loose term applied to a skin eruption
on the foot, usually between the toes. It is commonly due to
ringworm, but may be due to other infections, or merely excessive
sweating of the feet. It usually responds to careful foot hygiene and the
use of antifungal powder.
A number of different fungi can infect
the skin and nails of toes. This infection may result in the condition
known as athlete's foot. Generally, athlete's foot does not cause serious
problems; however, the disruption of the skin barrier can be a source of
significant infections in people with impaired blood flow to the feet,
such as people with diabetes or impaired immune systems. Infections of the
nails are more difficult to treat than those affecting only the
skin.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot? Symptoms of
athlete's foot include a persistent, burning itch that often starts
between the toes. The skin on the feet may be damp, soft, red, cracked, or
peeling; the feet may also show patches of dead skin. The feet often have
a strong or unusual smell, and sometimes small blisters occur on the
feet.
Conventional treatment options: The conventional treatment is
to apply an antifungal powder, cream, or spray (e.g., clotrimazole
[Desenex, Lotrimin], terbinafine [Lamisil], or tolnaftate [Tinactin])
between the toes and on other affected areas. A drying powder can also be
used inside the socks and shoes to help keep the feet dry during the
day.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: Keeping the feet dry is
very important for preventing and fighting athlete's foot. After showering
or bathing, thorough drying or careful use of a hair dryer is recommended.
Light is also an enemy of fungi. People with athlete's foot should change
socks daily to decrease contact with the fungus and should wear sandals
occasionally to get sunlight exposure.
Herbs that may be helpful:
Tea tree oil has been traditionally used to treat athlete's foot. One
trial reported that application of a 10% tea tree oil cream reduced
symptoms of athlete's foot just as effectively as drugs and better than
placebo, although it did not eliminate the fungus.
The compound
known as ajoene, found in garlic, is an antifungal agent. In a group of 34
people using a 0.4% ajoene cream applied once per day, 79% of them saw
complete clearing of athlete's foot after one week; the rest saw complete
clearing within two weeks. All participants remained cured three months
later. One trial found a 1% ajoene cream to be more effective than the
standard topical drug terbinafine for treating athlete's foot. Ajoene
cream is not yet available commercially, but topical application of
crushed, raw garlic may be a potential alternative application.
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Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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Athlete's Foot - Personal - Tea Tree and Vitamin E Oil
1 fl oz / 30 mL
12.20 US
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Athlete's Foot - Personal - Tea Tree and Vitamin E Face and Body Wash
8 fl oz / 235 mL
9.94 US
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Athlete's Foot - Personal - Itch Relief Lotion with Chamomile, Tea Tree and Vitamin E
6 fl oz / 177 mL
12.45 US
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