Known most commonly as “athlete’s foot,” the tinea pedis fungus is picked up in warm, damp places such as public pools, showers, or locker rooms. It is a contagious, persistent ailment caused by fungal growth on the feet. While this infection may be found on any area of the foot, often the most affected area is between the toes, where it is especially warm and moist.

Athlete’s foot may first result in an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. If the infection is allowed to spread and worsen, the skin may become soft and extremely sensitive to the touch. In the most severe cases, the edges of the afflicted area will become white and the skin can peel away, creating a milky discharge. Large cracks may develop in the skin as the infection advances, making the body vulnerable to additional bacterial infections. It is possible for the infection to be transmitted to other parts of the body by excessive scratching, tainted bedding or contaminated clothes. 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.

Visiting a traditional doctor when afflicted with athlete’s foot may result in a prescription, either oral or topical, that can be used to combat the infection. However, these medications can be costly and may come with undesirable side effects, so it is beneficial to try one of many natural remedies known to fight the bacteria and return the good health of your skin. Colloidal silver is one such natural option in the fight against athlete’s foot.

Colloids are tiny particles suspended in water that possess a positive electric charge. Colloidal silver is a substance made of de-ionized, distilled water containing small clusters of silver atoms. This powerful antibiotic reportedly acts as a catalyst to hinder the enzyme that is needed for bacteria, viruses and fungi to metabolize oxygen. The result of this process is the suffocation and destruction of organisms that cause many health problems, including athlete’s foot. One of the most powerful arguments for the use of colloidal silver is that bacteria and viruses seem unable to become resistant to the treatment, unlike most other antibiotic medications.

Colloidal silver may be purchased at many health food stores or through the mail. It typically comes in two or four ounce bottles with a pump sprayer or dropper for application. It may be ingested according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For athlete’s foot, it is best to apply the solution directly to the affected area after it has been gently washed and thoroughly dried.  

Although there are no known side effects to colloidal silver treatment when used correctly, some researchers have found that heavy, prolonged use may result in a condition known as “Argyra.” This condition manifests as a graying of the skin in areas where the folds are quite pronounced, as in the knuckles and elbows. Most experts agree, however, that due to the microscopic size of the silver in a colloidal state, this condition is a near impossibility when the treatment is given as directed.

Avoiding athlete’s foot is typically much easier than curing it. Therefore, it is 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. However, should you contract athlete’s foot, the redness, itching, and burning that are common symptoms should be relieved by the age old treatment of colloidal silver.

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