(also referred to as ...)
Ringworm of the Feet, Tinea Pedis
Description
Athlete's foot is a common, superficial, fungal infection of the foot. It often occurs between the toes but can occur anywhere on the foot. This form of infection only became common once humans began to wear closed footwear that does not allow the foot to "breathe".
There are four types of tinea pedis and two or more of them can occur simultaneously. The first, and most common, is the chronic "intetriginous" type. Next are the chronic, "papulosquamous" type and the "vesicular" type. The last, and potentially most severe, type is "acute ulcerative".
This infection is passed from person to person via direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces (shower stalls and bathtubs) or contaminated articles (towels and bed linens).
Athlete's foot is more common in adults, but can occur in children. This form of infection becomes more sever, and more difficult to cure, in those suffering from other disease processes such as diabetes mellitus or people with compromised immune systems..
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of organism causing the infection. Generally, symptoms and signs include thickening of the skin, itching, stinging, burning, and a foul odour.
With the chronic intertriginous type, there is often fissuring, scaling, and masceration of the webbing between the third and forth or forth and fifth toes. This can spread to the sole or instep. If enough moisture accumulates, the infection could be compounded by a secondary bacterial infection.
Both feet are usually involved in the chronic, papulosquamous type. Symptoms include mild inflammation and scales on the soles of the feet. This type is often accompanied by ringworm of the toenail (tinea unguium).
Small vesicles near the instep and sole of the foot are present in the vesicular type. Scales also appear on the instep and soles as well as the webs of the toes. This type is more problematic during the summer months than in winter.
In acute ulcerative cases, symptoms include mascerated, denuded, weeping ulcerations of the sole along with white hyperkeratosis and a strong odour. This type can also be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection. Some people find this type very painful to the point of debility.
Causes:
Athlete's foot is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, or Epidermophyton floccosum.
Infection is further promoted when wearing non-porous, or ill-fitting, shoes. Non-breathable footwear causes an increase in temperature and makes the foot sweat. In turn, the skin does not have the opportunity to dry and this interferes with the its protective functions.
Blistering due to ill-fitting shoes can also compromise the skin and allow for infection to occur.
As mentioned previously, this infection is passed from person to person via direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces (shower stalls and bathtubs) or contaminated articles (towels and bed linens).
What to Expect:
Fungal infections like tinea pedis are often difficult to treat. They have a habit of taking up residence, as it were, and tend to recur.
Prevention is best.
Remedies
Herbs
Black walnut is a great antiseptic. Take 10 to 30 drops of tincture per daily. You can also make a poultice and apply it directly on the affected area.
Echinacea will enhance the effectiveness of other remedies. Take 20 to 30 drops of tincture twice daily. If supplementing, take one or two capsules daily. Do not use echinacea for more than two weeks at a time.
Garlic is a powerful anti-fungal agent. One source recommends placing several crushed fresh cloves into a basin of warm water and use it as a foot bath. Of course, this treatment will have a strong odour.
Ginger contains many anti-fungal compounds. Place one ounce of chopped, fresh ginger root in one cup boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes. Apply the decoction to the affected area twice daily.
Lemongrass is useful against fungal infections. Prepare an infusion and drink 4 times daily. You may also remove the tea bag from the infusion and place directly on the infected area.
Licorice root has a large number of anti-fungal compounds. Add chopped sticks to a foot bath. You can also add 5 to 7 teaspoons of dried herb to one cup water, boil, simmer for 20 minutes, cool, and apply to affected area.
Oregano oil has anti-fungal properties. One source suggests mixing three to five drops of the oil with 5mL extra virgin olive oil to make it more palatable. Place two or three drops of this mixture under the tongue several times a day. You can also mix seven to ten drops with 90mL of sweet almond oil and add to the bath.
Pau d'arco has excellent anti-fungal properties. Take 1,500mg three times daily. You may also use the tea as a foot soak. Bring three teaspoons of herb and four and a half cups water to a boil. Simmer for 45 minutes, cool, and strain. Soak 1 to 2 times daily.
Oil of turmeric has been shown to inhibit the growth of several funguses. Mix one part oil with two parts water and apply directly to the affected area.
Lifestyle
Hygiene is essential. The foot should be washed with mild soap and water and patted dry everyday, especially between the toes. Do not overdo it, however. Being too aggressive can aggravate the situation. When drying off after a shower or bath, dry your feet last so as to not spread the infection to other parts of your body. You should also be using your own washcloths and towels to prevent the spread of infection to other members of the household.
Wear rubber or wooden sandals when walking over surfaces traveled by other members of the household or the public (locker rooms, etc.). Light cotton socks should be worn to allow for ventilation rather than those made of wool or synthetic fibres. Occlusive footwear should not be worn for long periods of time, especially canvas, leather, or rubber-soled athletic shoes.
Alternate often worn shoes to allow the insides to dry completely. In addition, try to air out your foot as much as possible to prevent moisture build up.
Miscellaneous
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic. Mix one part oil with an equal amount of carrier oil and apply to the affected area three times daily.
Vitamins
Biotin assists cell growth and promotes healthy skin. Take 100 to 300mcg daily.
Vitamin A helps heal skin tissue. Take 5,000 to 10,000 IU daily for adults.
Vitamin B2 also promotes healthy skin. Take 50 to 100mg daily.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also
Fungal Infection.
TERMS OF USE
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Base content originally developed for The Alternative Health CD-ROM, ISBN 0-9686618-0-7
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