Pau d'Arco Treatment for Athlete's Foot

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

Athlete's foot may first result in an red itchy rash, typically starting 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. Large cracks may develop in the skin as the fungus proliferates, making the body vulnerable to additional bacterial infections. It is possible for this fungal infection to be transmitted to other parts of the body by excessive scratching, tainted bedding or contaminated clothes.  In the most severe cases, the edges of the afflicted area will become white and the skin can peel away, creating a "milky-like" discharge. The soles of the feet may also 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 look to time tested natural remedies to treat this sometimes-painful condition. One such herbal remedy that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of athlete's foot is pao d'arco.
 
 Also known as lapacho colorado, the bark of the pao d'arco tree has been used for hundreds of years in its native South America. Indigenous groups in Argentina and Paraguay have long known of its medicinal value and its ability to fight infections such as ringworm and yeast infections. This antibacterial herb was reportedly used extensively by the Incas to fight a number of health problems and has been proven effective for internal problems such as fever, dysentery and intestinal problems. In its native countries, it was also widely respected for its use as an anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that this herb has some cancer fighting abilities in animals; however, when tested in humans the high dosage necessary caused some undesirable side effects, such as vomiting, anemia and nausea. Not only has this herb been used to effectively combat parasites and candida, it has also shown great ability to destroy harmful fungus. It is the latter of these properties that makes it useful in the treatment of athlete's foot.

 For use in treating athlete's foot, it is best used externally in the form of pao d'arco oil. This oil can typically be found at many natural health stores or through an online herb supplier. Rub a small amount of the oil on the affected area several times per day. Gently clean the feet before and after this treatment. Because pao d'arco is not soluble in water it is ineffective if used in a foot soak or if ingested in a tea, although it is generally marketed as a tea in the United States. It is also available in capsule form; however, it is necessary to carefully monitor the ingestion of this powerful herb as high doses may case side effects such as nausea, excessive bleeding, and vomiting.

 It is sensible to take some precautions to lessen your exposure to the fungus as preventing athlete's foot it typically much easier than curing it. It is 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. The most vital 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 by making sure that there is no moisture present. 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 vital to immediately treat any case of athlete's foot at the first sign to reduce both the discomfort and the healing time. Treating existing cases of athlete's foot with pao d'arco and following these general rules to maintain dry, healthy feet is a natural way to eliminate the fungus that causes athlete's foot.

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