Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of your feet. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, may be short-lived or it may recur, even after treatment. Fungi thrive in the warm, moist parts of your body, such as your feet when they are covered by socks and shoes. If you are considering herbal treatments for your athlete's foot, discuss the appropriateness of this natural healing method with your family physician.
About Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot fungal infections, notes MayoClinic.com, usually develop between your toes, although other parts of your foot may be affected too. Risk factors associated with this condition include wearing closed, plastic-lined shoes, having wet feet for extended periods of time, sweating excessively, and experiencing a minor nail or skin injury. Flaking and peeling skin between your toes is one of the most frequently experienced symptoms of this condition, although you may also experience itching, redness, stinging or blisters in the affected area.
Common Herbal Treatments
Herbal remedies have been used to treat athlete's foot for decades, although some of the herbs used in treating this condition may not have been rigorously studied using conventional scientific testing methods. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that the following herbs traditionally have been used in treating athlete's foot: pau d'arco, ginger, tea tree oil, lavender, olive leaf and myrrh. These herbs differ in their methods of use. Talk with your doctor about the proper procedures for using these herbs.
Featured Remedy
Myrrh is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your athlete's foot. Myrrh oil, notes Balch, may be effective in easing the redness, cracking and itching associated with athlete's foot. Rub myrrh oil, either by itself or in combination with lavender oil, into your feet before you go to sleep, making sure to wash your hands afterward to avoid spreading the fungus to your fingernails. Myrrh possesses antiseptic, disinfectant and deodorizing action.
Warning
In most cases, athlete's foot does not lead to serious health problems. However, some people with this condition may experience a recurrence of their fungal infection, a bacterial skin infection known as cellulitis, lymphangitis or whole body side effects associated with prescription medications. Should you develop the characteristic signs and symptoms of athlete's foot, visit a qualified health care professional to be properly diagnosed and treated. Avoid using herbs for your athlete's foot until you have discussed herb safety and efficacy with your doctor.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Athlete's Foot
- MayoClinic.com: Athlete's Foot
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
