"Athlete's Foot - 12 Herbal Remedies for This Common Problem"

Although men are more likely to catch this infection, women can catch it too.

Even though there are many over-the-counter medications available, below are some home remedies that may help.

It can thrive in warm, damp environments, such as locker rooms or swimming pools.

After developing this infection, it may take up to four weeks before you see any improvements when treating it.

Damp socks and shoes encourage the growth of the fungi in warm environments.

This condition was relatively uncommon in humans, before they began wearing shoes.

Many men develop this condition early in life, and it will constantly reappear when conditions are favorable. (Thanks to Phil)

• Human to human. It is often spread when you come into direct contact of the skin of a person that is infected. Not everyone carrying the fungus will develop signs and symptoms of it.
• Object to human. The fungus will survive on fragments of skin found on floors, carpets, beds, linens, etc. Even though transmission of the infection can occur at home, it will typically occur in public areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms.
• Animal to human. Yes, Fido can give you athlete's foot.
• Self to self. you can also spread it from one area to another. (Kudos to Phil)

• You experience burning or itching between your toes
• You experience excessive dryness on the sides and bottoms of your feet
• Your skin is cracking and peeling, particularly between your toes and the soles of your feet
• Your toenails are thick, possibly ragged and pulling away from the nail bed

• Men
• Those who frequently wear socks that are damp or tight fitting shoes
• Those who share bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone that has a fungal infection
• Those who typically frequent places where the infection can spread, including public swimming pools, locker rooms or saunas
• Those who have a weakened immune system

• Keep your feet dry at all times. Fungus need moisture in order to grow.
• Make sure your shoes are well ventilated, allowing them plenty of time to dry after each washing. Wearing sandals are highly recommended.
• Do not wear someone else's shoes
• Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after bathing either with a blow dryer or a hand towel.
• After bathing, dry your shoes and then spray your feet with rubbing alcohol from a pump-spray bottle
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. However, walking barefoot in other, non-public areas, is okay
• Wear cotton socks whenever possible

You may not realize that athlete's foot, if not attended to can lead to complications.

It can sometimes create a secondary infection such as onychomycosis.

This condition is a fungal infection of the toenails.

It is the most common disease of the nails, and is difficult to treat, taking as much as a year before removal of symptoms are seen.

It is also possible for the fungus to enter the bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction resulting in blisters on the fingers, hands or toes.

Apple cider vinegar - soak your feet in a mixture of half apple cider vinegar and half water for 10 minutes a day for 10 days, or until the symptoms disappear

Baking soda - soak your feet in a solution made from baking soda and water approximately 30 minutes each day. This functions to change your skin's pH levels. It is also recommended to sprinkle baking soda in your shoes and your socks.

Bleach - add two tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of lukewarm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes twice daily. This should clear up the problem in less than two weeks.

Chaparral - mix six tablespoons of dried Chaparral with 1 quart of boiling whiskey. Then, let this mixture simmer for 20 minutes; remove it, then let steep for eight hours. Soak your feet in this mixture.

Cinnamon - add 8 to10 sticks of cinnamon to 4 cups of boiling water. Reduce the heat and let simmer for five minutes. Let steep, while covered for 45 minutes. Use this to bathe your feet.

Garlic - one way you can kill the fungus is to rub a clove of raw garlic on the affected areas. Do this daily for one week, and the athletes foot should be gone.

Ginger - one of the herbal actions ginger exhibits is that of an anti-fungal. To one cup of boiling water, add 1 cup of chopped ginger and let simmer for 20 minutes. After cooling, apply to your feet twice daily.

Grapefruit seed extract - make a solution of 100 drops of grapefruit seed extract, add to 2 ounces of water and dab on the affected areas with a cotton ball 2-3 times daily.

Honey - rubbing raw honey on to the affected areas just before bedtime may help. Cover your feet with an old sock.

Jewelweed - Rub the juice from this plant, also known as touch-me-not, to the infected areas each day.

Tea tree oil - oil that is taken from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree contains anti-septic compounds that are highly disinfectant. Use a 5 to 15% solution, diluted with olive oil, several times daily. You should see relief within five days

Sosa - the herb sosa is used in Mexico as a remedy for tinia pedis

In conclusion, this common fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments. And that's exactly the environment you will find inside your Nike running shoes.

Plus, individuals that are very active such as runners, dancers or baseball players are more likely to develop athletes foot.

In fact, just wearing shoes is enough to put you at risk. I hope that some of these remedies can help you treat this common condition.