Also called tinea pedis, ringworm of the foot and dermatophytosis, athlete's foot is a common fungal infection which typically spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers. Many people, at some point in their lives are affected by athlete’s foot.

The infection is closely related to other fungal skin conditions, most with similar names like:

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) - This form is characterized by a red, scaly ring or circle of rash on the top layer of the skin.

Jock itch (tinea cruris) – With this form, the genitals, inner thighs and buttocks are affected.

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) – Most commonly found in children, this form involves red, itchy patches on the scalp, leaving bald patches.

The signs and symptoms of athlete's foot can be large in numbers, although a person affected probably won't experience all of them:

• Itching, stinging and burning between the toes, particularly the last two toes
  
  
• Itching, stinging and burning on the soles of the feet
  
  
• Itchy blisters
  
  
• Cracking and peeling skin, particularly between the toes and on the soles of the feet
  
  
• Excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet
  
  
• Thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored nails which may be pulling away from the nail bed

Athlete’s foot is caused by a group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes, which sprout tendril-like extensions that infect the superficial layer of the skin. As a matter of defense to this fungus, the basal layer of the skin produces excess skin cells which push to the surface, making the skin thick and scaly. In most cases, the more the fungi spread, the more scales are produced by the skin.

The regimen below includes a holistic approach to treating & preventing athlete’s foot:

Keep feet clean and dry.

Wash feet thoroughly at the end of the day.

Wear loose shoes that allow ample room for air to circulate.

Whenever showering in a locker room, wear shower sandals.

Eat a balanced diet consisting of raw vegetables, fish, chicken, whole grains and yogurt.

Avoid cola, processed foods, refined grains and all forms of sugar.

The following supplements may also be beneficial:

Tea Tree Oil (follow directions on label) - An Australian study has confirmed that tea tree oil is an effective cure for athlete's foot.

Colloidal Silver (take as directed on label) - Natural antibiotic and disinfectant.

Garlic Oil (Rub two to three drops on the affected area) - It is absorbed underneath the skin, which aids in destroying fungus.

Garlic Capsules (Four to eight capsules daily in divided doses ) Use the brand Kyolic by Wakunaga of America, which is a powerful and odorless organic garlic supplement.

Vitamin B Complex (100 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily) - Needed for healthy skin.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (3,000 - 6,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Reduces stress and promotes immune function.

Zinc (50 mg daily) - Inhibits fungus and stimulates the immune system.

Oils of Myrrh and Lavender - Help ease cracking, redness and itching when applied to the feet topically.

Olive Leaf Extract - Heals microbial infections.

Astragalus (take as directed on label) - A powerful antifungal herb.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.