Athletes foot and other fungal infections of the skin can be irritating, uncomfortable, and often hard to get rid of. When treated early on, one can avoid the hassle, discomfort and potential embarrassment of dealing with a long-lasting infection caused by dermatophytes, i.e. a fungus parasitic upon the skin or its appendages (Dorland's Medical Dictionary).
In addition to oral and topical medications for treating fungal skin infections, people in Australia and around the world have long known the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil. Native to Australia, the plant is also known by its scientific name Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil is an essential oil, made by steam distillation of the leaves, and has long been in use as an antiseptic in Australia. Tea tree oil contains terpenoids, which many believe give the oil its antiseptic and antifungal benefits.
Soaps and other substances enriched with tea tree oil can be an effective remedy against fungal infection, both at the early stages and on an ongoing basis. Tea tree based products can be rubbed with water into the affected areas, or can be applied with a clean sponge or washcloth. For the feet especially, one can mix a tea tree enriched product into warm water, in order to soak and cleanse infected skin. There are a number of antifungal products containing tea tree oil, both soaps and soaking washes, available on the market - please refer to me resource box for more information
One of the beauties of tea tree oil is that you can use it with other antifungal medications, both prescription and over the counter. It is a cleanser and an antiseptic that will help keep your skin healthy and allow you to counter athletes foot or nail fungus.
When dealing with a fungal skin infection, common sense medical advice should prevail. Here are some tips:
• Above all, keep the skin on your hands and feet DRY and CLEAN
• Wash your socks thoroughly, even boil them if necessary to rid any contamination
• Cotton socks are best to allow the skin to breathe
• Make sure your shoes air out and dry after daily use
• Your feet should have decent exposure to air to keep them dry, such as at night, or at home on clean surfaces
• Apply topical medications and other remedies before bed, so that the skin can be clean and unaffected by daily activities for a substantial period of time
• If you decide to get a manicure, be certain the salon uses sterile instruments
• Damage to the nails while clipping, or from cutting them too short, can leave them open to infection
• And finally, seek immediate medical attention for any severe fungal infection
Having dealt with fungal infections on both my hands and feet, I know firsthand the benefits of tea tree oil, along with common sense practice. I hope this article helps you, the reader, in your efforts to gain optimum health. Please try the Web link in my resource box to learn more about related products made by PediFix.
