Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the feet that is very common. It is also termed as ringworm of the foot. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why it often affects people who sweat a lot or who wear tight shoes. Athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, but these can be expensive and may not always work.

Athlete’s foot fungal infection treatment in Ayurveda involves restoring balance in the body and strengthening the immune system. Ayurvedic treatment with antifungal herbal medicines, remedies and internal cleansing is highly effective to eliminate the fungus and prevent recurrence of athlete’s foot infection.

What is Tinea Pedis?

Athlete’s foot or Tinea Pedis is an infection of the skin on the foot caused by a fungus Trichophyton. The fungi responsible for tinea pedis thrives in warm and moist environments. It can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors.

Up to 70% of people get Athlete’s foot at one point or the other, and it contributes 10-20% of all skin diseases.

Usually the infection begins between the toes, eventually affecting the upper layer of the skin. Tinea pedis is usually not serious, but it can be uncomfortable and contagious.

Symptoms of Fungal foot infection

Fungal foot infections are usually characterized by dry, flaky skin on the feet. The skin may also be red and irritated. These infections often cause a burning or stinging sensation. In some cases, it can spread to the nails causing toenail fungus. This disfigure the toenails making them look yellow, brittle, and crumbly.

Here are the common symptoms observed:

• Circular ring shaped sores on the skin
• Dry, flaky skin of the foot
• Red, irritated skin
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Yellow, brittle, crumbly nails
• Intense itching;
• Cracked, blistering or peeling skin;
• Severe scaling;
• Oozing blisters
• Foul smell from the feet

Fungal foot infections often go untreated because people are unaware of the symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to see a doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Health complications of Tinea Pedis

If left untreated, fungal foot infections can spread to other parts of the body, such as the toenails, and can also lead to serious complications such as:

• Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis can cause fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Tinea cruris, or jock itch, a fungal infection of the groin. Jock itch can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat.

Diagnosis of Tinea Pedis

Tinea pedis is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms. Your doctor may also perform a skin scrape test, in which a small sample of skin is collected and examined under a microscope.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot Fungus

This fungal infection can be caused due to the following reasons:

• Wearing tight shoes can cause Athlete’s foot. If tight shoes are worn, the feet are cramped together. With this, there is a lot of heat. The excess heat causes the sweating. This creates a hot and moist environment, and there is no better breeding ground for fungi than this.
• Walking barefoot also increases the risk, especially in these areas mentioned above. Exposed feet makes it more likely that the feet will pick up fungi and get infected.
• Wearing contaminated clothing or sharing of clothing between a healthy and infected person can cause infection too.
• Public pools, showers and changing rooms are places where various people come and blend together. They share love, friendship. And microbes. Lots of microbes, including fungi. These can easily be washed from the body of one person and picked up by another person.

Risk factors of Fungal Foot Infection

There are several risk factors and causes of fungal foot infection, including:

– Wearing tight shoes or socks that don’t allow air to circulate

– Sweating excessively

– Keeping your feet in wet conditions for extended periods of time

– Having a weakened immune system

– Health conditions such as diabetes, pcos, low thyroid, fatty liver or autoimmune disorders

-Being over 65 years old

If you have any of the risk factors listed above, it is important to take measures to prevent fungal infections, such as wearing loose-fitting shoes and socks and keeping your feet dry.

Conventional treatments for tinea pedis

Treatment for tinea pedis usually involves using an antifungal cream or powder on the affected area. In severe cases, oral antifungal medication may be necessary.

There are several conventional treatments for tinea pedis, including:

-OTC antifungal creams or ointments

-Prescription antifungal oral medications

-Laser therapy

-Steroid injections

However, these antifungal medications cause side effects and can interact with other medications, and as such should be used with caution. Another point to note is that athlete’s foot respond poorly to the topical treatments listed.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Athlete’s foot Fungus

In Ayurveda, Athlete’s foot is classified as a “Kshudra” minor “Dadru” fungal “Kustha” skin infection . Ayurvedic texts have defined the symptoms of kandu (itching), daha (burning), pidika (eruptions), rookshata (dryness), pidika (eruptions), raga (erythema), utsana mandala (elevated circular skin lesion). All of these symptoms match with the description of Athlete’s foot.

It is a tridoshic problem, but we can point out imbalance in Pitta and Kapha doshas and presence of “ama” toxins in the body. Foot fungus can arise due to exposure to sunlight, taking cold water immediately after exposure to the sun, sleeping in the daytime, eating too much salty and acidic food, incompatible or contaminated food too.

Ayurvedic treatment for foot fungus involves internal cleansing with Ayurvedic antifungals, immune boosting therapies and support of digestive fire to remove the fungal infections at the root cause level.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Fungal Infection in the Foot

There are powerful antifungal Ayurvedic herbs that are highly effective in treating athlete’s foot and fungal infections of the skin and the nails. These medicines should be taken under the direction of an Ayurvedic doctor.

1. Aarogyavardhihi Vati: This has been tested extensively in studies, and found to be effective. Aside being able to effectively treat Athlete’s foot, it is also useful addressing fevers, liver problems and skin disorders generally.
2. Araghwadhadi kashaya: It is useful for skin diseases also, and itching, vomiting, diabetes, and non-healing wounds.
3. Haridra khand: Treats allergic skin diseases and itching. It also helps to improve skin complexion.
4. Jatyadi oil: also helps with blisters and non-healing wounds.
5. Kaishore guggulu
6. Marichadi taila

Single Herbs

1. Neem

2. Turmeric

3. Triphala

4. Garlic

5. Giloy

6. Marigold

Herbal home remedies for Fungal foot treatment

Ayurvedic home remedies can be used for the treatment of fungal infection in the foot. Some of these include:

1. Soaking and washing feet with boric acid and soda solution.

2. Dip a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it on the affected area.

3. Apply a mixture of tea tree oil and lavender oil on the feet.

4. Soak feet in a mixture of warm water and apple cider vinegar.

5. Apply a paste of baking soda and water on the feet.

6. Apply a paste of ginger and garlic on the affected area.

7. Drink a mixture of honey and turmeric powder daily.

Ayurvedic Diet Tips for treatment of Tinea Pedis

Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help to boost your immunity and prevent infections from occurring in the first place. Ayurveda suggests Pitta Kapha balancing diet, specifically for fungal infections. Here are some guidelines that you should follow for tinea pedis:

1. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans in the diet.

2. Eat light and easy-to-digest foods along with digestive spices as turmeric, curry leaves, cinnamon, cardamom.

3. Consume plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep the body hydrated.

4. Avoid sugary, oily, fried and junk foods.

5. Eat yogurt or take probiotic supplements.

6. Avoid excessively sour, salty and cold foods.

7. Include detoxifying foods such as amla and aloe vera in the diet.

8. Eat a pitta diet and kapha diet to pacify the dosha.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips to Prevent and Treat Foot Fungus

Ayurveda is beyond just cures. It is a lifestyle. Being mindful of what you do and what you eat are very much important in keeping a healthy lifestyle, and keeping your feet free of Athlete’s foot.

• Don’t wear tight footwear so as not to squeeze your toes together. Rather wear wide shoes to give your toes some breathing space. Wider shoes also help with circulation.
• Practice good hygiene by washing the feet regularly with soap and water. Make sure to keep the feet clean and dry.
• Avoid sharing towels, shoes, or other personal items with others.
• Wear flip flops or sandals in public places, such as locker rooms or showers.
• Don’t wear damp footwear. Give your shoes 1-2 days to dry out appropriately before you wear them again.
• If you have dry flaky skin at your heel, moisturize it with anti-fungal cream.
• If your skin is moist and sweaty on the other hand, wash them in cold water and dry thoroughly.
• Avoid using powder on your skin. It clogs us and irritate the skin.
• If you have a fungal infection, don’t scratch it. By doing so, you can transfer the infection from your foot to other parts with your hands. Even the hands can get infected.

See a doctor if the infection does not improve with home treatment.

Takeaway

Fungal infections are very easy to spread, and you should be very careful as such. If you begin to notice further complications like excessive redness and sweliing, pus and drainage, then bacteria might have infested it. Seek treatment accordingly.

Fungal skin infections can be naturally treated with Ayurvedic antifungal herbals and treatments. If you think you may have a fungal infection, see an Ayurvedic doctor or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.

FAQ

1. What kills foot fungus naturally?

There are many different kinds of foot fungus, and each responds well to different treatments. However, there are some general tips that can help to kill foot fungus naturally. First, it is important to keep the feet clean and dry. This helps to prevent the fungus from spreading, and also makes it easier to treat the affected area. Second, try to wear loose-fitting shoes that allow the feet to breathe. Third, try soaking the feet in a solution of Apple Cider Vinegar and water. This will help to kill the fungus and also soothe any itchiness or irritation. Finally, be sure to apply a fungicide cream or powder to the affected area on a daily basis. With these simple tips, you can quickly get rid of foot fungus and enjoy healthy, happy feet once again.

2. What does fungus foot look like?

Fungus foot is a condition that can affect the nails, skin, and hair on the feet. It is characterized by thick, yellow nails that may be brittle or crumbly. The skin on the feet may be red and scaly, and the hair may be thin and brittle. Fungus foot is caused by a build-up of fungus on the feet. This can happen when the feet are continually exposed to moist conditions, such as in locker rooms or public showers. It can also occur if the feet are frequently sweaty or if they are not properly dried after bathing. Fungus foot is more common in people with diabetes or other conditions that cause poor circulation. Treatment for fungus foot includes keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing socks made of breathable material, and using antifungal creams or powders. In severe cases, oral antifungal medication may be necessary.

3. Is foot fungus contagious?

Foot fungus, also known as athlete’s foot, is a common condition that can be quite contagious. It typically occurs when the feet are exposed to damp, moist conditions, such as in public showers or locker rooms. The fungus thrives in these warm, wet environments and can quickly spread from one person to another. The good news is that there are a number of effective treatments for foot fungus. The best way to prevent the spread of foot fungus is to practice good hygiene and keep your feet clean and dry. If you suspect that you have foot fungus, be sure to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

4. What is the fastest way to cure fungal infection of feet?

The fastest way to cure fungal infection of feet is through internal cleansing with Ayurvedic antifungal herbs and topical treatment. This will help to kill the fungi that are causing the infection and will also help to prevent the spread of the infection. In addition, it is important to keep the feet clean and dry, as fungi thrive in moist environments. Regular bathing and drying of the feet, especially between the toes, can help to prevent the growth of fungi. It is also important to wear shoes that allow the feet to breathe, as this can help to prevent moisture build-up. Finally, if you have a fungal infection, it is important to avoid sharing towels or other personal items with others, as this can help to spread the infection.

5. Can Ayurveda cure fungal infection?

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. One of the core principles of Ayurveda is the belief that the body is made up of three doshas, or energy types. An imbalance of the doshas can lead to disease. Ayurvedic doctors use this principle to diagnose and treat patients. There are many different Ayurvedic treatments for fungal infections, depending on the patient’s individual constitution. The most common treatment is panchakarma, which involves five detoxification procedures. These procedures eliminate toxins from the body and help to restore balance. Other common treatments include diet modification, herbal remedies, and yoga. Ayurveda is a very effective way to treat fungal infections and other diseases.

6. Which Ayurvedic cream is best for fungal infection?

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and it is very important to take care of it. Skin infection is a very common problem which can be caused by bacteria, fungi or virus. The most common type of skin infection is fungal infection. It is characterized by itchiness, redness, flaking and cracking of the skin. There are many ayurvedic creams available in the market for the treatment of fungal infection. But it is very important to choose the right cream for the treatment. Some of the best ayurvedic creams for fungal infection are Aswagandha cream, Neem cream, Turmeric cream and Manjistha cream. These creams are very effective in treating fungal infection and they also have many other benefits like they help in improving skin complexion, reduce inflammation and promote healing.

References

Review on antifungal activities of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants

Review On Ayurvedic Remedies For Fungal Infection

Successful Ayurvedic Management of Dermatophytosis–A case study

Treatment for Mucormycosis