What is Athlete's foot? Know its Causes, Symptoms and Home remedies

2022-03-17 12:33:01

Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet that is between the toes. Since it started with the players, it is called athlete's foot but in the present time, it has become a common problem. The main reason for this is excessive sweating in the toes, infection in the rainy season, coming in contact with an infected object or infected person. This problem is also seen in people who wear shoes all day. This problem can be seen in people of all ages. Therefore, if it is not treated on time, it increases day by day. As a result, it can prove to be a serious problem.

How does Athlete's foot spread?

Since Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus called tinea, it is known as tinea pedis in medical language. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments and grow rapidly mainly in footwear, swimming pools and public humid environments. For this reason, it is usually found in summer and in places with moist climates. Apart from this, athlete's fungus can also be seen in the feet of people wearing shoes. When the fungus invades this area of ​​the body, symptoms such as red spots, ringworm, sores and itching appear on the skin within a short time.

Symptoms of Athlete's foot

The most important identification of athlete's foot is red spots on the skin, ringworm, rashes, scabs on the skin, flaking of the skin or white-coloured powdery substances start coming out. Apart from this, there are some other symptoms as well. These symptoms are-

• Redness or peeling of the skin.
• Itching and burning on the skin.
• Ulcers on the soles of the feet.
• Wound healing and continuous bleeding.
• A pus-like discharge from the affected part.
• Causes of Athlete's foot
• Coming in contact with an infected person.
• Living in places with constant humidity.
• Leaving the feet wet.
• Wearing the same socks for several days.
• Wearing tight shoes.
• Over bathing in the swimming pool.
• Walking barefoot in public places.
• On using dirty towels.
• Tips to avoid Athlete's foot
• Keep yourself clean to avoid any kind of infection.
• Avoid going barefoot in damp places.
• Avoid coming in contact with a person infected with a fungal infection.
• To avoid athlete's foot, keep the skin on the feet dry and clean.
• Do not use towels of an infected person.
• Wear light and airy shoes.
• Do not use shoes made of synthetic materials.
• Use only cotton socks.
• Wear washed socks daily.
• Change your shoes daily.
• Protect your feet in public places.
• Home remedies for Athlete's foot

Neem leaves are beneficial-

Boiling neem leaves in water and washing the feet with this water or grinding neem leaves in cow's milk and applying it on the infected area cures athlete's foot. Apart from this, applying neem oil to the affected areas is very beneficial for the person suffering from athlete's foot.

Chaulmoogra oil-

Chaulmoogra oil is also beneficial for people suffering from skin diseases or fungal infections. For this, mix an equal quantity of Chaulmoogra oil and Neem oil and apply it to the affected part. By doing this for a few days, athlete's foot and many types of fungal infections are cured.

Garlic is beneficial-

Garlic is rich in antibiotic properties which helps in curing athlete's foot and fungal infections. For this, make a paste by taking some raw garlic buds and apply them to the affected places. By doing this the wounds heal quickly. Apart from this, applying raw garlic juice on the soles of the feet also provides relief.

Turmeric-

Turmeric is an effective natural remedy to get relief from athlete's foot because it is rich in antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. For this, make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with water and apply it to the wounds.

Tea tree oil-

The beneficial properties of tea tree oil are very effective for athlete's foot. It also reduces the symptoms of eczema like dry skin, itching, redness, blisters and rashes. The antibacterial compounds present in this oil prevent the spread of skin-related infections and the antioxidants prove to be effective in curing itchy and dry skin. For this, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the soles of the feet.

Henna Powder-

Henna acts as a natural remedy for foot infections because it is rich in antiseptic properties. For this, mix the henna powder in rosewater and apply this paste to the affected areas. By doing this, the problem of athlete's foot gets relief.

Lemon-

Lemon also acts as a medicine in athlete's foot because it has both anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties that improve skin health. For this, mix lemon juice, vinegar and glycerin and apply it to the soles of the feet.

Baking soda-

Soak the affected area by adding baking soda or alum to lukewarm water. By doing this, the problem of the athlete’s foot gets relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar-

Apple cider vinegar is another effective treatment for athlete's foot. For this, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in lukewarm water. Now let the feet remain submerged in this water. After some time clean the feet thoroughly with a towel and allow the feet to air dry.