Ayurvedic Treatment for ATHLETE’S FOOT

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
Medicamentos de uso común
Home remedies and Diet
posturas de Yoga
Research articles link

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Signos y síntomas

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

Causas

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.

Fisiopatología

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.

Diagnóstico

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 prueba.

Tratamientos

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)

Pronóstico

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.

Complicaciones

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.

Enfermedad y Ayurveda

A similar condition to Athlete’s foot is described in Ayurveda in the context of Kshudra roga is Alasa.

Nidana- Causas

Alasa is caused due to the continuous contact of the foot with contaminated mud.

Purvaroopam- Síntomas Premonitorios

No premonitory symptoms are described for Kshudraroga in Ayurveda.

Signos y síntomas de Lakshana

In Alasa due to contact with contaminated mud the space between the fingers becomes wet and itching. Pain and burning sensation is also felt.

Pronóstico

The disease can be cured with proper management.

Chikitsa- Tratamiento

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.