A fungal foot infection that usually occurs between toes but the rest of the foot can be affected as well. The fungal species that are responsible for athlete's foot include trichophyton rubrum which is the most frequent one, trichophyton mentagrophytes, epidermophyton. These fungi can be mold or yeast. They can also be classified according to where on the foot they occur or by their lesion characteristic. Therefore they can be inter-digital meaning between toes, the ones that appear on soles are Moccasin and thirdly the inflammatory type is characterized by formation of blisters. As its name suggests, it is a frequent affection of athletes however, this does not exempt everyone else from being infected. In fact most men are infected by this fungus as they often wear closed shoes compared to women.
Fungus that develops on the skin, mostly trichophyton rubrum. This fungal infection is contagious so most people contract it easily by being in contact directly or indirectly with others that are infected. Individuals with athlete's foot contaminate surfaces they are in contact with this includes bathroom floors, bath tub or showers, surfaces of swimming pools. The gym and nail salons are also breeding places for fungi. Nail injury can increase the risk of the fungal infection, especially wearing tight shoes or a smaller sized shoes. Warmth, moisture, wetness and sweat can promote growth of this fungus. That is why people that wear closed shoes most of the time are prone to this infection. Other causes being a weakened immune system notably HIV or AIDS, diabetes and the use of birth control pills and corticosteroids.
Athlete's foot can be asymptomatic, implying that the infection is not expressed. So you may be infected and not know it. When it is symptomatic it is hard to not see dry and flaky skin, cracks on soles of feet also known as calluses. Burning sensation, stinging and itchy toes especially in between. Skin may be red, peel off and bleed. In severe cases blisters may form and ooze out fluid. Dark greyish and hard layered nails. Both feet maybe affected however, usually one hand is affected at a time. Ulceration or tearing of skin can be observed.
-Foot hygiene: wash feet every evening after a long day of being in closed shoes, keep the dry. Alternate shoes, wear clean socks daily or wash after every use before repeating a pair of socks. Do not share socks, stockings or shoes. Avoiding wearing tight shoes that may injure toes and cause an infection. Keep shoes aerated. Keep toe nails short, and never share your nail clipper. Wear flip flops in public showers.
-Organic tea tree oil: 20 drops of oil into a bowl of warm water, soak feet for 5 to 10 minutes. Dry feet completely then smear the oil onto the feet, 2 to 3 drops can suffice.
-Fresh crushed garlic: rub it between toes and wash it off after an hour. You may add garlic to your meals, though this takes time to be effective.
-Baking soda: sprinkling it into shoes, makes it absorb moisture making it a less favorable environment for fungus.
-Vinegar: mix water and a cup of vinegar into a bowl. Dry feet after a 15 minutes soak.
-Yoghurt: plain yoghurt is recommended, apply it onto the toes, wash it off after 30 minutes, dry feet completely.
-Salt,water,oregano leaves and ginger:simply soak feet in salt and water solution or soak in tea made from oregano leaves or ginger. Dry the feet.