Athlete’s foot is a fungal condition most often associated with teenagers spending too much time in locker rooms after high school games. But contrary to what the name suggests, this isn’t an issue reserved only athletes and sports fans. Today, we’re taking a look at what athlete’s foot really is and how you can treat and prevent it naturally.
Causes of Athlete’s Foot
Although locker rooms are common places to catch a case of athlete’s foot, there are other dangerous areas coated in a layer of fungi as well. For example, swimming pool decks, campground showers, and pretty much any other moist public place you can think of is a breeding ground for athlete’s foot. Nail salons that do pedicures can also cause athlete’s foot if the beauty tools aren’t cleaned and sterilized properly.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
The medical term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot is commonly accompanied by symptoms of itchiness on the soles of the feet, cracking of the skin, and general flakiness. If left untreated, athlete’s foot may cause blisters to form and later break, which can cause swelling and pain. Not only can this condition affect the soles of the feet and between the toes, but also the toenails. Nails affected by athlete’s foot will appear thick and cloudy-yellow in color. A foul odor may also result from an untreated case of athlete’s foot.
Hot to Treat Athlete’s Foot Naturally
To soothe symptoms of foot dryness, itching skin, flaking, burning, scaly skin, inflamed skin, and cracks between toes, we recommend OliveViate Topical Skin Relief in our easily-portable 1-ounce bottle. This homeopathic medicine is chemical-free and has proven to be a safe and effective remedy. Its olive and coconut base, concentrated omega-3 fatty acids, and natural vitamin E provide antimicrobial and antioxidant protection for the skin. Regular daily applications onto dry, cracking, itching skin, and skin affected by athlete’s foot will help to relieve discomfort and promote the repair and healing process. OliveViate absorbs completely into the skin after a few minutes and can be repeated at least 2-3 times per day.
Other natural treatments for athlete’s foot include tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic because each of these has anti-fungal properties to help fight off the condition. You might also want to try yogurt with active bacterial cultures either by eating it or applying directly onto the feet. Baking soda and cornstarch can help to relieve the itch, reduce friction, and cut odor as well.
Athlete’s Foot Prevention Tips
Probably the best prevention tip for keeping athlete’s foot at bay is to never let your bare feet touch public surfaces. Flip-flops or sandals should always be worn in public places to prevent the spread of fungi.
You can also try using foot powders to reduce friction and moisture between your toes. Changing socks on a daily basis or after sweating is also a good idea to promote good air circulation so that fungus can’t grow inside your socks. Letting your shoes air out for at least a day before wearing them again can also help reduce your risk of developing athlete’s foot. And of course, bathing or showering every day to scrub your feet with warm soap and water is a great way to keep your feet healthy and hygienic. Just make sure to fully dry your feet off after you step out of the tub so they aren’t damp.
Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and even painful. But for many people, it can be easily treated through natural means and prevented with easy lifestyle changes like these.