Effective Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot

Overview

Tinea Pedis or food ringworm is a fungal infection that usually occurs between the toes. The infection is also known as Athlete’s Foot and Foot Fungus as it is quite commonly found among athletes.

The word Tinea is used by doctors to describe a series of contagious infections and Pedis in Latin means foot.

Tinea Pedis is caused by the dermatophyte fungus, which thrives in damp and warm environments. Since the fungi also spread over moist surfaces, one might also catch them, commonly due to sweaty feet, or when confined to tight-fitting footwear for long hours.

Treatment of Athlete’s Foot

The infection tends to spread to the other parts of the body if not treated in the initial stages. Its contagious tendency makes it even more necessary to take proper treatment.

Adopting some easy home remedies for Athlete’s feet given below can be cured. With these methods, we have treated many patients, it is important to note that everyone’s physical nature and condition is different, hence these home remedies should be used accordingly.

Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot

1. Baking Soda:- To maintain the acid-base relation of your feet to control sweating and keep them dry, soak the feet in a solution of swajikaa – kshaara (baking soda) for about 30 minutes daily.

2. Garlic:- Ajoene, a compound found in garlic, has strong anti-fungal properties. Rub a garlic clove on the fungus-infected area and wash it with warm water. Repeat this procedure every day for good results.

3. Neem Leaves:- Neem leaves have potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and are helpful for Athlete’s feet. Boil 25-30 neem leaves in water and wash Tinea Lesions with the same every day.

4. Turmeric:- Apply turmeric over the infected area, wash in half an hour, and repeat the process at least thrice every day.

5. Wash your feet in Tankana Bhasma (a mild solution of boric acid and soda).

Ayurvedic Medicine for Athlete’s Foot

1. Gandhake Rasaayana is another traditional ayurvedic medicine, which is used to treat the infection.

2. Dadrughna lepa must be applied over the affected area for external healing. Dadrughan Lepa is an external applicator medication which is mentioned in Charak Samhita as a treatment for fungal infections.

3. Sidharthaka snan using ayurvedic medicinal powders is also a great remedy to treat the infection externally. Sidharthaka Snana is a herbal bath mentioned in our ancient texts to soothe the symptoms of Kushtha Roga (Skin Diseases).

4. Mahaa Marichyaadi Tailam is an ayurvedic oil that has antifungal and anti-itching properties. It is made from black pepper, and applying it over the infection 3-4 times for about 5 weeks yields guaranteed results.

5. Predominant Vitiation of Kapha and Rakta causes this inflammation. Therefore, measures must be taken to fix these doshas by carrying out Vaman Panchkarma.

Lifestyle and Diet

1. Do not scrub while bathing as it spreads the infection.
2. Avoid excessively sour, spicy, oily, and sweet foods.
3. Foods made up of white flours such as cookies, pastries, breads, etc. must be avoided when suffering from Tinea Pedis.
4. Artificial and packaged food and drinks must not be consumed.
5. Completely avoid non-vegetarian food.
6. Tea, coffee, alcohol, and dairy products must be strictly avoided.
7. Fresh fruits and vegetables must necessarily be included in the diet.

Preventive Measures for Athlete’s Foot

• Allow your feet to breathe as often as possible.
• Maintain feet hygiene by ensuring that you wash them with warm soapy water every once in a while.
• Thoroughly dry your feet before and after wearing your shoes.
• Change your socks regularly.
• Never wear moist or damp socks; immediately remove socks if you feel sweat in your feet.
• Use an alternate pair of shoes to allow them to dry after wearing them.
• Avoid sharing clothes, linen, towels, socks, and shoes.
• Do not walk barefoot in public places, especially locker rooms or shower areas.

Conclusion

Infections are easy to treat in the initial stages thereby treating them right when they begin must not be overlooked. Following the above-mentioned measures and remedies can surely make a remarkable difference in controlling the infection.

But also keep in mind that everyone’s physical nature is different, hence the effect of the above-mentioned remedies can also be different. For further assistance and personal ayurvedic consultancy, you can contact us at IAFA Ayurveda. We provide expert Ayurvedic guidance and treatment to provide you with organic and healthy results.