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Schedule a tour nowCauses and Remedies for Athlete's Feet
Posted on: December 18, 2017
The Causes of Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is caused by a contagious fungus called tinea pedis, which thrives in warm, moist places. People often catch athlete's foot by walking on contaminated floors in gyms and locker rooms. Another one of the causes of athlete's foot is sharing shoes or socks with a person who already has it.
The condition can make the skin on your feet appear red, scaly, and cracked. Your feet may itch or burn. Most commonly, it appears on the soles of the foot and between the toes, but in some cases, the fungus can spread to the hands and other parts of the body.
Curing Athlete's Foot
For many people, curing athlete's foot is a fairly simple process. You can treat it with over-the-counter antifungal creams, which are commonly found in pharmacies and grocery stores. Try to practice good daily foot care, washing your feet every day and drying them thoroughly. Wear socks made from a natural fiber, like cotton, that will wick sweat away from the skin, and change them regularly.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies you can use to treat athlete's foot. Soaking your feet in a diluted vinegar rinse can make the fungus disappear more quickly. Mix one part vinegar with four parts water, and soak your feet for 10 minutes twice a day. Be sure to dry your feet afterward.
You can also apply a few drops of tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties, directly to the areas of the foot that are red and inflamed. Tea tree oil can kill bacteria, which will help prevent the fungus from spreading to other parts of the body.
Maintaining Foot Care
If you're concerned about foot and toenail fungus, consider visiting an esthetician. A trained esthetician can advise you on a daily foot care regimen that will help keep your nails and skin healthy.
