Ayurvedic Treatment for Athlete’s foot comprises internal and external medications. Internal medications are to improve immunity, clean the body and refine blood. The athlete’s foot or Tinea pedis is a fungal infection that begins between the toes. It usually occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tightfitting shoes. The infection closely resembles ringworm infection.
- Signs and symptoms of Athlete’s foot
- Causes of Athlete’s foot
- Diagnosis of Athlete’s foot
- Treatments of Athlete’s foot
- Prognosis of Athlete’s foot
- Complications of Athlete’s foot
- Athlete’s foot in Ayurveda
- Nidana- Causes of Alasa
- Lakshana of Alasa
- Prognosis of Alasa
- Chikitsa (Treatment) of Alasa
- Commonly used medicines
- Home remedies and Diet
- Yoga
- Research articles link
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of Athlete’s foot includes,
- Red, scaly rash
- The rash usually begins between the toes and itching become severe after removing socks and shoes
- Sometimes associated with blisters or ulcers
- It spread to both the legs and sometimes to hands
- In moccasin variety of athlete’s foot causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up the side of the foot which gets confused with eczema
Causes
Athlete’s foot is caused by a variety of fungi which belongs to a group called dermatophytes, which also causes jock itch and ringworm. The fungi usually thrive in a moist, warm, and humid atmosphere. So the condition gets worsened on continuous use of socks and shoes. This condition is contagious and spread by contact with infected towels, socks, etc.
Pathophysiology
Dermatophyte fungi invade the superficial keratin of the skin using enzymes called keratinases, and the infection remains limited to this layer. Tenia fungus may reduce keratinocyte proliferation, resulting in a decreased rate of sloughing and a chronic state of infection.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be done by a local examination of the lesion. To confirm the diagnosis a swab is taken from the lesion and examined under the microscope to demonstrate the fungi. A skin lesion potassium hydroxide examination is the most commonly used test.
Treatments
Topical and oral use of antifungal medicines used to treat Athlete’s foot. The sprinkling of antifungal dusting powder and application of antifungal creams are effective to manage the condition. The medicines include,
- Terbinafine(Lamisil)
- Itraconazole(Sporanox)
- fluconazole(Diflucan)
Prognosis
The condition usually responds well to antifungal medications but may take weeks to get complete relief of symptoms. In some cases, the condition can relapse after the treatment.
Complications
When left untreated the condition can affect the nails and nails can become thicken, discolored, or crumble. It can spread to the hand and groin. The condition also makes the patient prone to bacterial infections like cellulitis.
Disease and Ayurveda
A similar condition to Athlete’s foot is described in Ayurveda in the context of Kshudra roga is Alasa.
Nidana- Causes
Alasa is caused due to the continuous contact of the foot with contaminated mud.
Purvaroopam- Premonitory Symptoms
No premonitory symptoms are described for Kshudraroga in Ayurveda.
Lakshana Signs and Symptoms
In Alasa due to contact with contaminated mud the space between the fingers becomes wet and itching. Pain and burning sensation is also felt.
Prognosis
The disease can be cured with proper management.
Chikitsa- Treatment
It can be managed by proper sodhana or purificatory procedures followed by the administration of samana drugs. Purification like emesis or purgation is needed if disease is very severe. For the cure of the symptoms, external medications are necessary like dhara or dipping in medicated water made of neem leaves, turmeric, or drugs in Nalpamaradi group. After drying suitable medicines like Gandhakadya malahara, etc. can be applied. Specific treatment said includes application of paste of nimba (neem), sesame seeds, Realgar (manasila), Kasisa (ferrous sulphate), laccifer lacca (laksha) and gorochana in rice gruel. Also dusting can be done with powder of realgar, kasisa and gorochana.
Commonly used medicines
External application
- Gandhakadya malahara
- Nimba thaila
- Mahamarichadi thaila
- Vicharchikahara lepam
Internal medicines
- Panchatikthakam kashayam
- Manjishtadi kashayam
- Tikthakam kashayam
- Guggulu tikthakam kashayam
- Gandhaka rasayana
- Arogyavardhini vati
- Triphala Guggulu
- Kaisore Guggulu
Brands available
- Aryavaidyasala Kottakkal
- Vaidyaratnam Oushadasala
- SNA
- Dhootpapaeswar
- Baidyanath
- Sidheswara
Home Remedies
- Application of Hydrogen peroxide to the affected area
- Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and so this can be used
- Neem oil is also good for local application
- Sea salt bath
- Always keep the feet clean and dry.
Diet
Fungal out growth can be prevented by using,
- Food containing low sugar content and refined carbohydrates
- Yogurts, fermented foods which are probiotics
- Extracts of garlic, grape fruit have antifungal property
Yoga
Yoga postures and Pranayam with medication can make the body healthy and thus stay away from infectious diseases.
Research articles link.