Tea Tree Oil Treatment for Athlete's Foot
Tinea pedis, more frequently known as athlete's foot, is a common skin condition caused by the spread of fungus on the feet. The infection is typically caused when the feet come into contact with fungus growing on a damp surface, such as that of a locker room or shower floor. Because fungus thrives in moist, warm places, the area between the toes is especially susceptible to athlete's foot; however, the fungus may also spread to the rest of the foot. When the fungal infection is given a chance to grow, it may result in an itchy red rash; more severe cases may exhibit blisters, peeling skin and an unpleasant odor.
Although there are many medications, both oral and topical, that can be prescribed to combat athlete's foot, they may come with undesirable side effects, so it is beneficial to use one of many natural remedies known to fight the bacteria and return your skin to a healthy state. One of the most commonly used natural treatment for the fungus that causes athlete's foot is tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil has been widely known as an effective natural antiseptic agent. Brought by Captain Cook from its native Australia in the 1770s, the oil is produced from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. For centuries aboriginal people from Australia have been using this tree's leaves to treat skin infections. Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is stream-distilled from the leaves of this plant which grown only in Australia.
The active ingredient in tea tree oil is terpinen-4-ol, which has been proven to combat bacteria and fungi. It has been used to treat cuts, scrapes, and other minor skin wounds and irritations because of its effectiveness as a fighter of infection. Tea tree oil also has the ability to quickly bond with natural oils present in the skin. Because the application of this essential oil to the skin encourages the formulation of a chemical barrier on the skin, growth of fungi and other organisms is diminished. Not only does tea tree oil lessen the chance of infection and speed healing, it also reduces the risk of scarring.
Tea tree oil can make a considerable difference in the overall health of skin that is infected with tinea pedis. It is important to make sure the tea tree oil is from Australian sources. It is also important to maintain clean skin by gently cleansing the skin twice daily with at mild soap. Do not scrub or vigorously rub the skin as this typically irritates the afflicted area and may spread the infection.
Tea tree oil has also been used to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, nail fungus and toenail fungus. An especially effective course of fungal treatment is a tea tree oil foot soak in which up to 20 drops of the essential oil is added to a foot bath and the affected skin submerged for 15 minutes. It is always recommended that the infected skin be thoroughly dried after cleansing to discourage new fungal growth. For milder cases of athlete's foot, nail fungus or toenail fungus, a twice-daily application of tea tree cream or 5 to 10 drops of undiluted tea tree oil to clean feet is advised.
There are no known negative drug interactions associated with tea tree oil. It should never be ingested, and a poison control center should be contacted if the product is swallowed. Although tea tree oil is much gentler than many chemical treatments for athlete's foot, nail fungus or toenail fungus, it may irritate sensitive skin, especially around the eyes and vaginal area. Before using this product it is wise to do an allergy test by swabbing some of the oil on the inner arm. If the skin becomes red, swollen, or itchy, do not use on other parts of the body.
Because preventing athlete's foot is typically much easier than curing it, 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 the fungus that causes athlete's foot or nail fungus. These significant precautions along with the gentle, natural treatment of tea tree oil may reduce or eliminate the redness, itching, and burning that are common symptoms of athlete's foot.
Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO - Fungus Research, L.L.C.
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