Vitamins for Athlete's Foot

Maintaining a healthy immune system is the single most important thing that you can do to prevent not only everyday ailments and illnesses, but also serious and life threatening diseases. Eating a well balanced diet gives your immune system the resources to prevent an array of health problems and making sure that you are getting enough essential vitamins also keeps you as healthy as possible. One such problem that can be prevented and often alleviated by the proper use of vitamins is athlete's foot. 

Athlete's foot occurs when the highly contagious tinea pedis fungus contacts the skin. The fungus is picked up in warm, damp places such as public pools, showers, or locker rooms, and is a common, persistent infection of fungal growth on the feet.  Often the most affected area of the foot is between the toes, where it is especially warm and moist; however, it may also spread to the rest of the foot, increasing in area and severity.

At the first contact of athlete's foot, the infection may initially result in an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. The skin may become soft and extremely sensitive to the touch if the infection is allowed to flourish. In the most severe cases, the edges of the afflicted area will become white and the skin can peel away, creating a milky discharge.

Painfully large cracks may develop in the skin as athlete's foot progresses in severity, making the body vulnerable to additional bacterial infections. Excessive scratching or tainted bedding and clothes may transmit the fungus to other parts of the body. Sufferers with severe forms of athlete's foot may also contract what is known as "moccasin foot," a rash that covers the bottom of the foot in the pattern of a shoe. The soles of the feet may become thick, rough and scaly.

Even though there are many prescription medications, both oral and topical, that can be suggested to combat athlete's foot, most are costly and some are not without undesirable side effects. It is both wise and cost effective to take advantage of a healthy diet and easily obtained vitamins to ensure that your immune system is strong enough to fight any potential infections, including athlete's foot. For people who are currently suffering from athlete's foot or for those who are merely prone to the fungal infection the following supplements may be beneficial: vitamin A, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C.

Vitamin A is found in animal products such as eggs and liver and is used significantly in the process of cell division. It is necessary for bone growth, reproduction and it also helps regulate the immune system. Vitamin A is specifically helpful in the fight against athlete's foot as it help ensure the reliability of the skin and other mucous membranes to maintain an effective barrier to bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Therefore, healthy vitamin A levels can make a positive difference in the case that you should contact the tinea pedis virus.

Vitamin B complex includes the full range of B vitamins, including Biotin, Cobalamin, Folic Acid, Inositol, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, and Thiamin. These nutrients all work together to promote a healthy nervous system and assist in the metabolism of fats and proteins, as well as ensure the immune system is strong and able to combat infections such as athlete's foot.

 One of the most common immune boosters is vitamin C. Long known to protect cells, ligaments, and a wide array of bodily tissues, this valuable vitamin is an antioxidant that eliminates free radicals in the body, which can cause severe damage to the cells. Vitamin C protects the system from colds and flu, decreases the risk of heart disease, and prevents certain types of cancers. Additionally, it also relieves skin infections such as eczema and athlete's foot.

 Preventing any ailment is always much easier than curing it and the best way to maintain good health and an immune system that can successfully fight off potentially harmful infections, such as athlete's foot, is to give your body the nutrients it needs to function properly. It is also wise to take some common sense precautions to lessen your exposure to the fungus. The most important step you can take is to keep the feet dry, especially between the toes. Ensure that the environment in your socks is inhospitable to fungal growth. Socks that are made of cotton, wool, or other natural materials allow feet to breathe and remain dry. If your feet commonly sweat, see that your socks remain clean and dry, even if this means changing socks during the day. Choose shoes that are well ventilated and give them a chance to dry out before wearing them again. It is also important to reduce the risk of exposure by wearing waterproof sandals or shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and any other warm damp place that may host tinea pedis. 

Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO - Fungus Research, L.L.C.