Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is the most common fungal infection of
the skin, characterized by fungal growth on the skin
of the foot and occasionally on the toenails. The infectious
fungal species thrives in warmth and dampness and is
prevalent in gym locker rooms and around indoor swimming
pools.
Symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, burning,
and stinging sensations, as well as scaling, cracking,
and inflammation of the skin between the toes and on
the soles of the feet.
What To Consider
People with athlete's feet many times also have candidiasis
(systemic yeast overgrowth) in the gastrointestinal
tract. This must be treated for long-term relief of
athlete's foot.
Eat
a whole foods diet with emphasis on raw food and less
dairy products. Avoid foods high in yeast such as beer
and breads with yeast. Avoid sugar of all sorts (including
honey and fruit juices) for some weeks while antifungal
methods are being used.
Self-Care Tips
Nutritional Supplementation
The
following supplements, taken alone or in combination
with each other, are all useful in helpting to prevent
and treat athlete's foot: Acidophilus, Bifidobacteria
and L. bulgaricus, garlic capsules, vitamin A,
vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
Aromatherapy
Tea tree oil, patchouli, or geranium, applied topically to the infected
areas.
Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream; Crab Apple.
Herbs
Fungicidal
herbs are an effective topical treatment for athlete's
foot. Examples are myrrh, tea tree, and garlic. Tea
tree oil can also be applied directly or diluted with
calendula oil for application to sensitive skin. Soaking
the affected area in grapefruit seed extract can also
be helpful, as can taking grapefruit seed extract orally.
Other useful herbal topical applications include citrus
seed extract, honey and crushed garlic, and pau d'arco
tea (wet tea bag for ten minutes and then leave the
bag itself on the area or use gauze or cotton soaked
in tea if area is too large).
Homeopathy
Calendula, Chamomilla, Belladonna, Merc sol., and
Sulfur.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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