Are you suffering with athlete’s foot fungus? Homemade, natural, goat milk soaps and natural foot scrubs can help relieve your feet! Learn the causes, symptoms and prevention of athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is a common ringworm fungus located on the bottom of the feet. It’s an infection on the surface of the skin. The common medical term for ringworm is tinea. Doctors add another word to indicate where the fungus is located. For example: tinea capitis refers to a scalp ringworm, tinea corporis for a body fungus and tinea pedia for foot fungus. The fungus that, most commonly, causes athlete's foot is called Trichophyton. On the average, approximately, 70% of people will have athletes foot fungus some time in their life.

Fungus can thrive and infect upper skin layers of the body that stay moist, warm and irritated. These areas are not just on the feet. These infections can occur on other areas of the body: scalp, trunk, arms, legs, nails, vagina, mouth and groin. Without a warm, moist environment, fungus may not, easily, infect the skin. Ringworm type of fungus can produce round or red spots on the skin, but this is not always the case. A microscopic fungal examination can determine the presence of a fungal infection. This simple procedure just takes minutes to perform by scraping flakes of skin from the affected area. The flakes of skin are then examined under a microscope. Sometimes a small piece of skin is removed for a biopsy, just to confirm the diagnostic results.

How do you contract athlete's foot fungus? It can be found in many locations: locker rooms, gym floors, hair-nail-foot salons, swimming pools, walking barefoot, standing in long lines, in socks, tight fitting shoes and clothes. It may be caused by an allergic reaction, or from a skin irritant of some kind. It’s easily spread from object to person or from person to person. Sometimes people don’t know they have this fungus because they either have no symptoms or just don’t recognize them at all.

What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot? Common signs are burning, itching and peeling of dry skin. This dry itchy skin has varying degrees. Some have painful cracked heels and bleeding, as well. Some have dry flaky skin and skin rashes. These symptoms can occur on the bottom, top or sides of feet and between the toes. When the skin has a fungus, its natural protective barrier is broken. This allows bacteria and yeast to invade the broken skin. If left untreated it could spread to other parts of the body.

There are many ways to relieve this fungus. First, clean your feet and dry them well. This will inhibit the fungus to spread. Learn all about natural homemade skin care! By using natural goat milk soaps and natural foot scrubs, an athlete's foot home remedy is discovered, by some!

Au Natural, unscented, goats milk soap is a natural, non-irritating, soap. It’s especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin. It cleanses, soothes, softens and conditions skin. Aloe and Oats, natural, goat milk soap is very soothing for dry itchy skin. Natural goat milk soaps are handcrafted, healthful and nourishing for skin!

A natural homemade body cleanses, exfoliates, soothes, softens and conditions skin. Some are mild and gentle with natural, ingredients, unlike most modern day harsh or irritating scrubs. Some can be used on the feet or other parts of the body.

Some scrubs are made especially for foot care.. They penetrate deep down where the skin is still alive, sloughing off calluses and cracks. The pain of cracked heels is relieved, almost immediately, from the proper blend of natural emollients! Some claim, this type of scrub works as an athlete's foot remedy.

You may want to consider using medicated anti-fungal creams, sprays, powders or washes. These work very well for some. Follow all directions, carefully, when using over the counter remedies. CAUTION! Some commercial products may contain harsh irritants that can aggravate skin, especially sensitive skin. They can serve as a fertilizer for fungus! Discontinue use of harsh or skin irritating products. If your skin condition worsens, seek advice from your health care provider.

PREVENTING ATHLETE'S FOOT FUNGUS:

Wear shoes and socks that are breathable. For instance, leather shoes are much more breathable than shoes made from vinyl. Wearing breathable socks, that steer water away from your feet, can be helpful too. Some prefer acrylic socks rather than cotton. Disinfect old shoes, use your own nail equipment at salons, don’t walk barefoot, (especially in public areas), and avoid contact with anyone having athlete's foot fungus, until it’s completely clear.