Those itchy and peeling toes: it’s the season for athlete’s foot, that fungal infection that seems to come up after days at the beach or pool. We know that athlete’s foot can be a pain to treat, but it is easily preventable and several home remedies can help keep your toes in great health.
What causes athlete foot?
Athlete’s foot is associated with two types of fungus: Epidermophyton floccosum or Trichophyton species. It is picked up from walking barefoot on the beach or pool, or caused by an overgrowth that comes with a warm, moist environment (AKA sweaty shoes). It most commonly affects teenagers.
How can I help prevent it?
- Everyone can get it, not just athletes.
- The decks of swimming pools or locker rooms are crawling with fungus, so it’s important to wear flip flips, shoes, or sandals in gyms, public showers, and hotel hallways.
- Keep feet dry: it helps prevent growth of the fungus. Go the extra mile by wearing natural footwear and socks as plastic and rubber can cause feet to sweat more.
- Thoroughly washing feet at the end of each day and drying them can also help, as well as changing out of wet socks and alternating shoes.
Are there any home remedies that can help?
- Try sprinkling baking soda into your shoes to help absorb moisture.
- Boost immunity by eating food of every colour: red peppers and tomatoes, oranges and carrots, lemons and yellow beans, dark leafy greens and broccoli, purple eggplants and blueberries: they’ll all help fight off the fungal infection. And eat yogurt! Plain, natural yogurt is rich in probiotics that help fight off fungal infections of any kind.
- Rub a little bit of coconut oil or mash a garlic clove into a little bit of olive oil and leave on toes for 15 minutes; both have mild antifungal properties that can help fight off infection. Wash thoroughly and dry feet after.
- A dilute tea tree oil solution can help fight the fungus.
- Salt water foot baths can help soothe itching and fight off infection, or try adding a little cinnamon: cinnamon has some antifungal properties.
Note: this article is only to be taken as a guideline and not used in place of medical advice. Bundles of Energy is not liable for any injury or illness that occurs as a result of following these guidelines. When in doubt, it is always better to visit a health care practitioner.
