Summer - Sun - Athlete's Foot!

Fungi simply love the warm and wet -  they thrive around swimming pools, especially enjoying settling in on the soles of the feet and the area between the toes (Tinea Pedis). Athlete's foot is one of the most common infectious diseases in Central Europe and can be a real pest. The fungal disease is mainly caused by filamentous fungi mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton.

Not infrequently, the first sign of athlete's food is a mild to severe itching. Later, the skin may become red, scaly, wet, or form bubbles and cracks. The inflammatory response triggered by the fungi not only affects the skin but can also may spread to the nails and other parts of the body. For this reason, it is important to act quickly!

As important as seeking treatment is taking general measures to prevent and protect against athlete's foot. One can regularly apply manuka oil, tea tree oil to keep your feet happy and fungi free. The quality of tea tree oil used makes a big difference - pay attention to the quality of your products!

The following measures are also used to prevent athlete's foot:
• always dry your feet well, even in between your toes.
• air out and disinfect your shoes regularly.
• Do not go barefoot in public showers or swimming pools, wear flip flops or sandals
• Refrain disinfecting your feet.
• Check your feet regularly and pay attention to injuries - since the fungus penetrates very easily.

Athlete's foot does not disappear by itself - especially not when it is passed on to your nails. The excuse that's gone again, may only distract from the fact that other people living in the household could be infected. Before using any chemical treatment, try home remedies like apple cider vinegar,healing earth, garlic, turmeric, whey, or St. John's wort oil.  

If athlete's foot does not disappear after two or three weeks despite trying these natural remedies, professional help should be sought to make sure there is not a bigger health issue behind it!