The fungus among us
Fungi are everywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 1.5 million different species of fungi on Earth, but only about 300 of those are known to make people sick. Most fungi are not dangerous, but some, can be incredibly annoying and give us athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is an infection of the skin and feet that can be caused by a variety of different fungi. Although tinea pedis can affect any portion of the foot, the infection most often affects the space between the toes. Athlete’s foot is typically characterized by very dry or cracked skin, red, raised scales or blisters that can be itchy or burn between the toes. Toenails can become thick and ragged. The condition can be an infection that recurs frequently or infections lasting long periods of time.
Why think about athlete’s foot now when winter is just wrapping up? One reason is because many of the treatments for the condition can take weeks – two to eight - to get rid of it, and if the toenails are affected, another couple months to see them fully heal. Addressing it now while your red ravaged toes are tucked away in socks for the next few months could mean trading those boots for sandals on one of those first warm spring days (‘cause that’s what people do here … doesn’t matter what the calendar says, if it’s warm and sunny, off comes the parka.
Most cases can be treated with topical medications such as: miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole (Mycelex), ketoconazole (Nizoral), tolnaftate (Tinactin, Ting), or terbinafine (Lamisil). Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine and tolnaftate are available over the counter without a prescription.
Essential oils have been found to be successful in many cases. Daily 20 minute footbaths with Tea Tree (Melaleuca) oil, which is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and Lavender oil, also an anti-fungal and soothing, can help. In addition, applying a blend of these oils directly to the nail twice a day can be effective. Be careful not to let the undiluted/neat essential oil on the skin as it may cause burning. You’ll begin to notice the fungi affected nail soften to where you can scrape it off, soon revealing healthy nail underneath. There are many other home remedies out there. The key is consistency and patience.
If there are multiple affected areas or the patch is large then oral medication will be used consisting of terbinafine (Lamisil) or Iitraconazole (Sporanox). If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected an antibiotic may be prescribed.
To prevent or keep tinea pedis from returning, adopt some simple hygiene techniques such as keeping feet dry, keeping nails clipped, short and clean; avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms or public showers; wear socks made from natural fabrics; don’t wear the same shoes every day – allow them to air out between wearing.
If you’ve been suffering with athlete’s foot all winter take steps today to get it cured before summer arrives. Contact your doctor or naturopath today to discuss your best options.
Diana is a certified clinical cosmetologist, cosmetologist, and makeup artist. Diana can be contacted at dianamarienelson1210@gmail.com .
