Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection. It is highly contagious but can be treated easily with over the counter medicines.

Athlete’s foot can be very uncomfortable and can go away on it’s own in a third of case, but will usually need to be treated.

Athlete’s foot symptoms:
Once you have got an infection it will cause an itchy rash between the toes. It may be accompanied with dry skin which can be flaky. In some people it may develop into a swelling of the bottom of the foot. This inflammation can cause small blisters which can be sore and cause a moderate amount of pain.

Although it mainly shows in the feet, it can move to other areas of your body. The fungus grows best in warm, dark and humid areas. In some cases it can spread to the armpits or groin and in rare cases to the hand.  

Lifestyle tips:
Athlete’s foot can develop on its own or be caught from someone else.

There is lots of bacteria and fungus on your feet and are harmless. The fungus can grow in the warm humid areas in between your toes and develop into athlete’s foot. Washing well in between your toes will help stop the fungus growing too much.

As well as good foot hygiene, making sure your feet are dry before putting socks on also helps. Changing your socks if you get your feet or shoes wet will also stop the growth of any bacteria or fungus.   

Athlete’s foot is easily spread. The fungus can be transmitted by direct contact with the feet. It can also be spread on towels, bedsheets or other clothing. Also swimming pool floors or other communal floors which are warm and wet are very good places to catch athlete’s foot. Washing and drying your feet after being exposed to these conditions will reduce the risk of catching an infection.

Diet tips:
As athlete’s foot is a fungus they feed on sugar to grow. Some types of food are quickly turned into sugar inside the body.

Avoid food high in sugar or that contain refined flour as it will lower your intake. Some fruit is naturally high in sugar and this can affect the condition. Apples and berries are low in sugar and are a good replacement for bananas and tropical fruit.

Dairy foods contain high amounts of bacteria and can boost the growth of athlete’s foot. You should try and limit the amount of dairy if you show signs of fungal growth. Although yogurts contain lots of good bacteria which you should try and get into your diet.

Akoma recommends:
Fungal infections like Athlete's foot should be treated with products which have strong antibacterial properties to help the skin heal.

Akoma Tea Tree Essential Oil is packed with antibacterial ingredients. The oil also has antifungal and antiseptic properties so it’s been used across the world for years to treat fungal infections.

Use a swab and apply the oil directly onto the affected area a couple of times a day to stop the infection spreading and help its recovery.

To keep clean and fresh during your recovery, use Akoma Black Soap. It is a natural antibacterial product that reduces inflammation of the skin.

Akoma Black Soap is made from raw shea butter, organic virgin coconut oil and cocoa pods that gently treat infections. It is also rich in antioxidants that improve the general health of your skin, helping it to fight off infections in future.