Athlete’s foot is an unpleasant disease, its treatment is lengthy and requires the highest consistency. But at the same time it is a common disease, about ten million Germans suffer from athlete’s foot in the course of their lives, according to recent studies. With preventive measures one protects oneself from infection, but if one is infected, only patience helps.
What helps against athlete’s foot?
We should also always take care of our feet to prevent diseases like athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is noticeable by itchy and reddened skin, it scales and looks unkempt. Already because of the external appearance, but also because of the symptoms, the pressing question arises, what helps against athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a contagious disease of the skin, which is then affected by skin fungi. The fungus is often discovered in the spaces between the toes or on the soles of the feet, where the skin itches and is reddened. If the athlete’s foot spreads to the nail, a nail fungus develops, which is also a lengthy process to treat. Since a fungal disease breaks out mainly due to a weak immune system, it is important to strengthen the immune defenses in order to be permanently protected from the fungal disease. If the immune system is strong and fulfills its protective function, fungi and bacteria have no chance. Whether athlete’s foot must be treated with home remedies, with alternative remedies, with a cream or with medication depends on the severity of the disease. For a mild form of the disease, home remedies, alternative remedies or a killing cream can be helpful. If the fungus keeps breaking out, a doctor should be contacted. This is because the fungus can grow from the outer layers of the skin into the deeper layers, and treatment is then much more difficult. The growth can only be treated with strong medication, which must be taken for between two and four weeks. The treacherous thing about the fungal disease, however, is that the fungus is far from being killed when the external symptoms disappear. This is another reason why athlete’s foot is a disease that requires long-term treatment. So that it does not come so far, some measures are appropriate as a quick help.
Quick help
There is basically no quick help for athlete’s foot. The patient must know that the fungus can only be killed with consistency. However, prevention is the most important measure, and there is a lot that can be done about it. A fungus develops and grows in a warm and humid climate. Therefore, the feet should never get wet. Leather shoes and cotton socks help to keep them dry, so breathing of the skin is facilitated. So, in the best case, you often wear open shoes. After washing, use a separate towel, the feet and the spaces between the toes should be dried well. If the skin is slightly softened, the fungus penetrates particularly well. Regular application of cream also helps to keep the skin supple, so that no cracks form in the skin into which the fungal spores can penetrate. If you wear the same shoes every day, they should be aired out well so that the fungus cannot grow. Stockings should be changed every day. Otherwise, it is important to keep the immune system stable and efficient, because then the body will cope with the invader more easily. Finally, use bathing shoes in public swimming pools and saunas. The disinfectants in swimming pools should be avoided, they unnecessarily attack the natural protective layer of the skin.
Alternative remedies
For mild forms of the disease, alternative remedies help. Lavender oil inhibits the formation of fungi and can kill them. Researchers suggest that the essential oil destroys the cell walls of the fungus. Myrrh, peppermint and tea tree oils also have a killing, disinfecting and antiseptic effect. These oils should be used undiluted only in very small quantities. In order not to dry out the skin, it is recommended to dilute them with olive or sesame oil. A foot bath with these oils will also bring relief if applied daily. Cut open garlic or onion peels are the saviors in distress when the fungus itches acutely.
