Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection in your foot. It is also known as tinea pedis or ringworm infection of foot.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot

• Dampness in socks and shoes due to excess sweating.
• Spreads from one person to another through shoes, towels, mats, bed spreads, etc.
• Wearing tight fitting thick shoes of plastic which are unable to circulate air.
• Hot and humid climate.
• Diabetes and weak immune power can precipitate fungal infection.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Initially, you may notice the below signs in between your toes and gradually it will spread to your sole.

• Redness of skin.
• Itching and burning sensation.
• Scaling or blister formation.
• Dryness.
• If it is associated with bacterial infection, you may notice a foul odour.

Management of Athlete’s Foot

• Avoid sharing shoes, towels and other personal belongings.
• Dry your feet and in between toes well after the shower.
• Wear cotton socks and change your socks daily.
• Wear properly fitting, light shoes of leather and avoid plastic, rubber or vinyl shoes.
• Be barefoot when you are in the home.
• Don’t wear same shoes daily. Use an alternate pair of shoes, so you give time to dry your shoes.
• Dust some talcum powder in between your toes before wearing your shoes.
• Wash your socks and towels well in hot water to prevent recurrence.
• You can soak your feet in baking soda solution for 15 minutes. Later wash in normal water and dry well.
• Soak a cotton ball in garlic juice and apply on affected area.
• You can apply with turmeric, if there is more dryness and burning sensation.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Athlete’s Foot

In Ayurveda the following medicines are effective:

• Externally you can apply Tuvaraka taila, Mahamarichyadi taila, Gandhaka malahara or Nimba taila.
• Internally, Panchatiktam Kashayam, Guggulu tiktaka kashayam, Mahatiktam Kashayam. Neem, Manjistha, Khadira, Arogyavardhini vati, Gandhaka rasayana, etc are useful.