ATHLETE’S FOOT
Athlete’s foot {Tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that affects 20 percent of the population at any given time. These fungi, called dermatophytes, infect the skin of the foot, which may result in an intensely itchy, red, scaly rash on the soles of the feet and between the toes. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot grow in warm, moist environments, so it may be picked up easily by walking barefoot in public areas such as bathrooms, swimming pools, saunas, showers, and locker rooms. Athlete’s foot is difficult to get rid of because in socks and shoes, feet provide the same ideal environment for the fungi to thrive. If you are exposed to the fungi that cause athlete’s foot, you may be contagious, even if you don’t develop athlete’s foot. Once you have had athlete’s foot, you are more susceptible to reinfection.
RINGWORM NOT A WORM
Contrary to its name, ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungal infection, the same type of fungal infection that causes athlete’s foot. Ringworm may be found on any part of the body, and is more common among children and teens. It can be spread through person-to-person contact or by sharing personal items such as clothes and towels. Ringworm earned its name because it causes a distinctive circular patch of itchy, red, raised, or bumpy skin.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Degree of discomfort can range from mild to severe
Heels that crack, scale, or peel
Infected toenails that may thicken, yellow, flake, or crumble
Intense itching, inflammation, or stinging on the soles of the feet or between the toes (usually the third, fourth, and fifth toes)
Painful sensations when rubbed or scratched
Sores or blisters
Thick, dry skin on the feet
RISK FACTORS
Affects adults and children, and men more often than women
Direct contact with fungi in public area
Person-to-person contact with affected skin
Warm, moist environments such as wet socks, tight shoes, and sweaty feet will encourage growth
Weakened immunity such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS
ATHLETE’S UNDERARM?
Because the fungi that cause athlete’s foot can grow on human skin, this type of fungal infection may spread to other parts of the body such as the groin (known as jock itch), scalp, and underarm. This is most likely to happen when people touch or scratch the infected area and then touch another part of their body without washing their hands. Be sure to wash your hands regularly while treating an athlete’s foot infection. Also, after a bath or shower, use a different towel to dry an infected area than for the remainder of your body. Hot-water wash and dry towels immediately after each use.
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Although athlete’s foot has obvious signs and symptoms, consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis because symptoms may be masking another condition.
Most cases of athlete’s foot may be treated with a prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medication in the form of an ointment, lotion, powder, or spray. For mild conditions, a cream such as terbinafine (Lamisil), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), or miconazole (Micatin) may be used. Even in mild cases, athlete’s foot can be difficult to kill. Most antifungal medicines only limit the growth of the fungal infection, which then allows the fungus to gradually die out as the body sheds infected skin. Follow the medication’s instructions precisely for optimum effect.
For severe cases, such as when the fungal infection spreads below the surface of the body, a doctor may prescribe an oral medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or terbinafine (Lamisil).
Some people seem to be naturally resilient to athlete’s foot while others find it to be a persistent problem. A diet that promotes immune system health and proper hygiene will go a long way toward prevention.
Dietary Recommendations
The body’s ability to ward off infections depends on the health of the immune system. While there are no foods that directly treat athlete’s foot, eating a healthy diet that supports the immune system and detoxification is crucial to prevention and effective treatment.
Foods to include:
• Fibre-rich foods such as whole grains and ground flaxseed support detoxification.
• Filtered water, green tea, and green drinks support detoxification.
• Garlic helps fight fungal infections.
• Yogurt with active cultures provides beneficial bacteria that help prevent overgrowth of fungus.
Foods to avoid:
• Alcohol weakens the immune system.
• Sugar hampers immune function, so limit candy, sweets, and soft drinks as well as refined starches.
Lifestyle Recommendations
• Wear waterproof shoes or sandals in all public places such as swimming pools and showers.
• Dry your feet and toes thoroughly.
• Wear cotton socks and change socks frequently. Sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch between toes to prevent moisture.
• Wear comfortable, well-ventilated shoes or sandals.
• Avoid socks and shoes made of synthetic materials, which promote sweaty feet.
• Don’t wear someone else’s shoes.
• Wash all clothes, towels, and bed linens in hot, soapy water.
• For sweaty feet, soak daily for 30 minutes in a footbath with baking soda or salt.
Top Recommended Supplements
Tea tree oil: Has a long history of use for treating skin infections. It contains compounds that have disinfectant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is used topically as a solution or in a cream. Three studies have shown that it is effective for treating athlete’s foot. Dosage: Apply a topical solution that contains 25-50 percent tea tree standardized to contain 10 percent cineole and at least 30 percent terpinen-4-ol. Use twice daily for four weeks. Creams containing tea tree can also be used at a 10-50 percent concentration. Do not take tea tree orally. Discontinue use if skin becomes irritated.
TEA TREE RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT
In a double-blind study, 158 people with athlete’s foot were treated with placebo, 25 percent tea tree oil solution, or 50 percent tea tree oil solution, applied twice daily for four weeks. Both tea tree oil solutions were more effective than placebo at eradicating infection. In the 50 percent tea tree oil group, 64 percent were cured; in the 25 percent tea tree oil group, 55 percent were cured; in the placebo group, 31 percent were cured. Most people did not experience any significant side effects. (Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 2002; 43: 175-178).
Complementary Supplements
Garlic: Has antifungal properties. Dosage: 600 mg of aged garlic extract daily. Vitamin C: Supports proper immune function. Dosage: 500 mg twice daily.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To prevent and manage athlete’s foot, consider the following:
1. Eat a healthful diet, including whole grains, yogurt, and garlic.
2. Wear waterproof shoes in public areas and don’t share shoes or socks.
3. After bathing, dry your feet thoroughly and apply powder.
4. Wear cotton socks and properly fitted shoes that don’t promote sweaty feet.
5. Consider tea tree oil solution for the treatment of athlete’s foot.
