Home Remedies for Athletes Feet

Athlete's foot ( alipunga or dermatophytosis ) is an eruption on the skin charachterized by the formation of itchy small vesicles with cracking and scaling on the hands and feet, especially between toes. Below are some remedies to cure athletes foot.

Ways to Prevent Athletes Foot

Keep feet and toes always clean and dry.
Always wear clean and dry socks and shoes.
Don't wear others' slippers,sneakers, socks and shoes. Don't let others wear your footwear.
Don't go barefoot in the bathroom. Wear your own rubber slippers in public bathrooms, swimming pools and river beds.
If your feet are infected, put your slippers and shoes under the sun for one hour everyday for one week when not in use.

Treatments for Athletes Foot Using Herbal Decoctions

Makabuhay vine hot foot bath. ( scientific name: Tinospora rumphii Boerl )
- Chopped a one-foot long portion of the vine and boil in 5 glasses of water for 15 minutes.
  - Soak the infected foot in the hot decoction for 15 minutes or as can be tolerated. While foot is soaked, rub between the toes with cotton applicators, removing the dead skin and pricking the vesicles. Soak for 10 more minutes after the removal of the dead skin. Soak foot 2 time s a day for severe infections; otherwise, soak once a day only.
    Precautions: Athlete's foot is very contagious. It can infect the fingers and the other foot. The towel used for drying the feet and toes should not be used to dry other parts of the body. Use cotton applicatiors to remove dead skin. Wash very well thebasin used for soaking.
Akapulko leaves ( english: Ring worm bush or shrub )

Crush young leaves and extract juice. Apply the juice directly between the toes and the other affected areas after the hot foot bath in the Makabuhay decoction.

Kamantigui flower poultice ( english: Touch me not balsam )
- Chop flowers. Apply as poultice on infected part after hot foot bath in the Makabuhay decoction.
Balanoy leaves ( english: Sweet basil )
- Chop leaves and extract juice. Apply the juice directly on the affected part after hot foot bath in the Makabuhay decoction.
Kanya Pistula (Golden Showers) leaves ( english: Golden shower, Pudding pipe tree )
- Crush young leaves and extract juice. Apply on the affected part after hot foot bath in the Makabuhay decoction.
Labanos tubers ( english: Radish )
- Chop tubers and extract juice. Apply juice on the affected parts, 2 times a day.
Bawang ( for itchiness ) ( english: Garlic )
- Peel one clove and chop. Rub on the itchy areas, 2 times a day.

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