Yeeehooooo! Another long weekend has almost arrived. This means more rest, relaxation, play, fun, family time, sports, fitness, the outdoors: so many of the things that help keep us physically and mentally well.
I’m tellin’ ya, we need a long weekend this winter.
So, no time to be bothered by things like athlete’s foot. The symptoms include cracking and peeling of the skin, itching, soreness, and, sometimes, blister. If unchecked it can lead to toenail fungus, characterized by blackening of the nails. Awfully irritating, I know.
Listen, don’t blow a fuse, this is just a fungal infection. Some, overnight it seems to have become a public health problem in Yoga studios. Simple solution, don’t go breaking your head over it. Whether you’re standing tall in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) or flexing your toes in Paschimotthanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Yoga gives you lotsa chances to focus on feet.
Shared yoga mats could well be a source of source of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. I’m tellin ya, there ain’t no scientific studies to back up the theory. But while most studios make arrangements for disinfectants to clean their mats, few encourage participants to spray and clean exercise mats.
So, the best way to avoid getting athlete’s foot is to bring your own sticky mat to class and wash it regularly. If, however, only public mats are available, see that the yoga studio staff regularly sanitizes the mats to prevent an outbreak of athlete’s foot.
Secondly, since fungus thrives in moist, damp environments, sticky mats make the perfect breeding ground. So dry your mat daily. Simple, ain’t it? Also make sure to keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes, where moisture tends to get trapped most. Wear cotton socks, and change your socks daily or wear flip-flops. Wash your socks in hot water. Also, don’t wear tight, closed-toe shoes. Moisture and heat cause athlete’s foot fungus to thrive, so don’t go barefoot in public places. Use foot powder to keep your feet dry. Simple corn starch makes a good foot dusting powder.
Personally, I would recommend grandma’s recipes.
An application of Neem leaves to the infected foot, to start with. This is a multi-purpose Ayurvedic herb specially effective against skin diseases.
Simple to do. Just follow these instructions.
Add 1 tablespoon of Neem leaves to 1 cup of water and boil down to 1/4 cup liquid; strain out the leaves and let cool. Add a few drops of garlic oil and tea tree oil (which also have antifungal properties) to the infusion. After showering, swab the Neem leaf infusion on the feet and blow dry. Ideally, you should wear open shoes, such as sandals, that leave the feet exposed to air. If that’s not practical, wear cotton socks and keep shoes dry and clean.
Geranium oil and tea tree oil also have germ- and bacteria-killing properties, making them excellent treatments. You can add these oils to your own creams and powders, or look for products containing them as a key ingredient.
Tea tree oil is the other simple natural treatment for athlete’s foot. A home remedy that works wonders like over-the-counter foot medications. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the skin thrice a day, covering the affected area. It oil can also be mixed with aloe vera gel. About 4 ounces of aloe vera gel to 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil can be combined in a spray bottle and applied twice daily.
Grapefruit seed extract is available at health food stores. I know it is has great anti-fungal properties. Add a few drops of this extract to your wet palm and apply it to the infected foot twice or thrice day. You can also add it to the washing machine while washing socks.
Or put crushed Garlic into your dry socks before going bed. Raw garlic helps to kill athlete’s foot fungus.
Always remember, let your feet dry before putting on footwear. Have fun!
