Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that affects the feet. Dermatophytes are the fungus that causes athlete's foot but can also cause other conditions such as ringworms and jock itch. It's called athlete's foot because the fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as shoes, socks, and locker rooms.
The fungus spreads through direct contact from person to person or from contaminated surfaces. Athlete's foot typically causes symptoms like itching, redness, scaling, and a burning sensation in the affected area. The skin may blister or crack in severe cases, leading to pain and discomfort.
While athlete's foot is not usually a serious condition, it can be uncomfortable and lead to complications if left untreated. Fortunately, many homeopathic athlete's foot remedies can effectively heal this common affliction.
7 Homeopathic Ingredients we use to treat Athlete's Foot
Before you decide on a homeopathic remedy for athlete's foot, it's best to know your options. Of course, as with all medical decisions, you should consult with an expert, such as a homeopathic doctor, to ensure your health and safety.
1. Centella asiatica
Common name: Pennywort
Pennywort is a plant that originates from African and Asian countries. It has a long history of medicinal use by these cultures, particularly in India and Indonesia.
Due to its antibiotic properties, people use pennywort on skin conditions like acne and other fungal infections. It can also keep wounds clean and protect against infections.
These properties can effectively heal athlete's foot and minimize the symptoms you may experience.
2. Thuja occidentalis
Common name: Northern white cedar
Northern white cedar tree leaves, usually in the form of an oil, are effective for treating respiratory and skin infections. This leaf oil can reduce itchiness, swelling, and pain from cold sores and other ailments.
With its strong antifungal characteristics, remedies with Thuja occidentalis can help alleviate the discomfort of athlete's foot.
3. Horsetail
Common name: Silica or silicon
In homeopathy, silica provides the grit or abrasion needed to "rub off" skin problems and restore the affected surface to its healthy state. When taken with water, silica remedies may boost your immune system, preventing infections in the first place. They can also "scrub away" the illness, mitigating symptoms.
4. Melaleuca alternifolia
Common name: Tea tree
The natives of this tree's native land, the Aboriginals of Australia, have used oil made from tea tree leaves for healing for centuries. Its ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, tackling the source of many diseases. The oil's capabilities make it an effective alternative to traditional fungal infection treatments, including athlete's foot.
5. Pelargonium graveolens
Common name: Rose geranium
While rare, this flower has high amounts of geraniol, a healing compound. Geranium oil can also treat acne and other inflammatory skin conditions with its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. In athlete's foot, these properties can help attack the infection-causing fungus to speed up the recovery.
6. Eugenia caryophyllata
Common name: Clove
People have used clove oil, derived from clove trees, in various culinary and medical applications for hundreds of years. Clove oil is a potent inhibitor of various fungi and bacteria growth. As such, clove oil can stop athlete's foot from spreading to other areas.
7. Sesamum indicum
Common name: Sesame
Besides its delicious culinary applications, sesame oil boasts medical benefits for various skin conditions. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent skin damage and improve skin quality when applied topically and ingested.
Sesame oil can help improve your recovery time from athlete's foot and reduce discomfort and swelling.
How to Use Homeopathic Remedies for Athlete's Foot
Treating athlete's foot usually involves applying the remedy directly on the affected area. Athlete's Foot & Jock Itch Treatment by Forces of Nature comes with a rollerball to make application easier.
You should follow these steps to get the most out of athlete's foot remedies.
1. Shake well before use
Homeopathic medicines require shaking to stabilize and dilute the substance before application. Allow for at least 10 seconds of vigorous shaking to get the most out of your remedy.
2. Clean the affected area and dry thoroughly
Dirt and other foreign substances may contaminate the medication during application. To avoid this possibility, ensure the affected area and any applicator tools you use are clean and dry before applying the treatment.
3. Roll a thin layer of the product over the affected area following the daily recommended number of applications
Depending on your treatment, you should stick to how frequently you apply medication to the infected area daily. Ensure you use enough to cover the entire infection, but don't overdo it to avoid waste and overdosing.
4. Treat daily for at least four weeks
Fungal infections like athlete's foot can appear cured but reoccur if you stop halfway. To prevent the disease from coming back, treat the area for at least four weeks to give adequate time for managing and treating the symptoms.
5. Store properly
The remedy you choose may be sensitive to high temperatures and UV lights, which can reduce their potency. Make sure to keep treatments in a cool and dark location like your medicine cabinet.
Walking with Confidence Using Homeopathy
Athlete's foot can be embarrassing, greatly affecting your quality of life. However, traditional medication for athlete's foot can be harsher and worsen things. Consider treating your condition with natural treatments and homeopathy instead.
Forces of Nature is a certified organic medicine provider you can trust. Our wide selection of homeopathic medicine is entirely USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified and FDA Registered and effective!
The 7 Best Homeopathic Ingredients to Treat Athlete's Foot
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.