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cutaneous system
Tinea/Ringworm
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungus infection of the feet. It usually affects the skin between your toes, the soles of your feet, and your toenails, which may become brittle and discolored. The symptoms are itching feet, redness, blisters, and dry skin that is hard and cracking.

You often can get athlete's foot in locker rooms and bathrooms because the fungi thrive in the warm, moist conditions. Healthy skin and attention to the details of proper foot care, such as drying your feet carefully after showers and frequent changes of socks (preferably cotton), will help prevent the spread of it.

The suggestions in this article also apply to ringworm.


THE PROPER DIET FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT WILL INCLUDE:

• ELIMINATING sugar-containing foods, such as candy, pastry, and sodas because they feed the fungus and worsen the condition.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USEFUL, AND YOU CAN TAKE THEM UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

• Beta-carotene helps maintain the skin in a healthy condition. Take 200,000 Units per day . Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of Beta-carotene a day.

• Vitamin C – Take 1,000 milligrams twice a day. Many enzymes that are effective in the healing of athlete's foot are activated by this vitamin.


HERBS FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT:

• Combine the powders of Black Walnut and cornstarch with a few drops of Tea Tree oil and apply to the affected area. It will relieve the itch and control the spread of the fungus. Black Walnut will discolor your skin. If this is a problem, use only Tea Tree oil. You may want to mix it with a small amount of Olive oil if it causes burning when used by itself.

• As a topical preparation, garlic could be beneficial against athlete's foot. Research has found that ajoene, a substance found in garlic, is a powerful antifungal agent.

• Myrrh, as a tincture, can be applied topically.

PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Dab a solution of 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water onto the affected area. Let this dry. Don't rinse off.

• Mix 1 Tablespoon Golden Seal powder with hot water to form a paste. Spread this on a cotton cloth, apply to the feet, and cover with a dry towel for 20 minutes.

• Copper sulphate, a blue salt available from a pharmacy, is used for a foot soak. Make a water solution with 1 tablespoon per gallon of warm water. Soak for 20 minutes daily.


HOMEOPATHY:

From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under your tongue, 3 times a day.

• Sepia 6C: This is the most common remedy for athlete's foot.

• Graphites 6C: For thick, scaling of the skin, cracks, and oozing.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with this condition. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.


Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.

Ledezma E, DeSousa L, Jorquera A, et al. Efficacy of ajoene, an organosulphur derived from garlic, in the short-term therapy of tinea pedis. Mycoses 1996;39:393-395.

Tong MM, Altman PM, Barnetson RS. Tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis. Aust J Dermatol 1992;33:145-149.