Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a relentless and bothersome fungal infection that thrives in moist, warm areas. This contagious infection generally develops between the toes, creating a burning and itching sensation.
Mode of infection
Initially infecting the superficial layer of the skin, the fungus extends deep into the basal layer of the skin. This promotes an increased production of skin cells, pushing outward, resulting in the common thick, scaly and ring-like appearance, which may progress to the soles of the feet if not properly treated.
Personal Hygiene
Overall hygiene plays a crucial role in combating this infection. "The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" prescribes washing and properly drying the feet and using anti-fungal powders or creams two to three times daily.
Home-Based Nutritional Support
Siegfried Gursche, author of "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing," emphasizes boosting the immune system with nonprescription supplements. Because infections have a greater survival rate in a suppressed environment, nutritional support assists the body's ability to combat infection. Gursche recommends zinc and garlic. Vitamin C facilitates the production of collagen and enhances the immune reaction. Acidophilus, a homeopathic, further assists the immune response and the establishment of normal flora.
Importance of Footwear
Proper footwear is an easy way to prevent and treat athlete's foot. Cotton or wool socks wick moisture away from the skin. Rubber or synthetic shoes inhibit air flow, creating the much warmer environment required for athlete's foot to thrive.
Extra Precautions
Athlete's foot is a mildly communicable disease, therefore try to minimize others' exposure to your condition, especially in areas such as public showers. The "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing," recommends that you put your socks on before other undergarments. Slight abrasion of clothing may transfer the fungus to other parts of your body.
References
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing"; Siegfried Gursche, M.H.; 1997
- "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book"; Second Edition; 1996
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; James f. Balch, M.D.; 2000
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