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Athletes Foot Infection - diagnosis and management

May 30, 2010

Athletes foot infection or Tinea Pedis is one of the most commonly encountered foot infections.  It affects nearly a quarter of the population.  It increases in prevalence to 60% in elderley patients and males are three times more frequently affected than females. 

Fungal skin infection leads to itching redness and cracking of the heels and soles of the foot.  Many people are ‘driven mad’ by these symptoms.  Effecftive management of tinea pedis should focus on two aspects: treating the infection and preventing reoccurrence.  The essential oils blended in Footessential’s Ditch that Itch are antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic.  It also contains an oil which helps the skin cells to regenerate. When applied this product has an immediate soothing affect.  It can be used throughout the summer months and for long enough to eradicate the infection without causing any chemical build up for the body to have to then cope with.

When patients ask ‘How can I cure the horrible symptoms of athletes foot infection we advise that they visit a podiatrist and have the infection properly diagnosed and then use Ditch that Itch at least twice per day.  Foot hygiene is extremely important in order to keep this irritating and uncomfortable condition at bay.

Category: Athletes Foot

Looking after one of our most valuable assets - OUR FEET

May 9, 2010

We human beings walk, run, skip and jog  every day of our lives most of the time without any awareness about the two things attached to our lower limbs  which are enabling us to do these wonderful things.  OUR FEET….  Our feet become tired and weary carrying around all our weight every day.  We muffle them away for most  of the year.  They are not allowed to breathe and we wonder why we have infections such as athletes foot infection, fungal nail infection and verrucae.  Also in the winter chilblains and cold chilled feet . 0ften  the temperature of our feet  is changed dramatically when we come in from the freezing  cold , take off our boots and socks and literally stick our feet infront of a blazing fire or very close to a hot radiator.

The very delicate blood vessels in our feet need time to become gently accostomed to the changes in temperature we subject them to on a daily basis in the winter months.  0ne way we can assist our feet in this area is to use a blend of essentials oils which assist the circulation and gently comes to the resuce.  Footessentials ‘Warm that Sole’ does just this.  Patients ask ‘”How can I cure my chilblains and help my feet to stay warm all year round?”  This blend of essentials oils will do just that .  Essential oils have a very tiny molecular structure which enable them to enter the blood stream and do their ‘magic work’ very effectively.  They need to be applied twice per day but this is no hardship as they are beautiful and uplifting to use.

The oils used in the blend ‘Warm that Sole’ are warming.soothing, antiseptic, antibacterial and rejuvenating. They are perfect for Reynauds sufferers  as it can also be used for the hands. This blend has been featured in the Reynauds Society’s newsletter over the past winter months.

Summer Feet

May 7, 2010

Its that time of the year again when we want to wear sandals and mules and have to address the fact that our feet have been muffled away in socks and boots for the last six months.  We may have developed dry flaky skin and even worse, athletes foot.  Many people visiting podiatry clinics at this time of year need to have a full treatment which includes the removal of all hard skin and callouses and nail cutting.  Used regularly Essential oil blends can ensure that our feet remain moisturised and infection free.

Athletes foot infectionis very uncomfortable and can be very painful,  It is also unsightly.  Ditch that Itch from Footessentials very quickly reduces redness, flakiness, itchiness and soothes infected skin.  It needs to be applied twice per day and your feet will recover and love you for it!

Fungal nail infection can be hidden away all winter but when the sun starts to shine in the spring the last thing any of us want is to bear discoloured thickened toenails.  Nourish that Nail is an oil blend which is antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic.  Used twice or three times per day it will help to eradicate the infection which causes this unsightly condition.  Feet need air in order for the skin and nails to breathe and for bacteria not to gain a hold.  Spring and  Summer are ideal times for us to give our feet a big treat and pamper them to say thank you for all the hard work they do for us.

Category: Uncategorized

Athletes Foot Infection

March 2, 2010

How can I get rid of my athletes foot infection for good!  This is a question so often asked.  You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from athletes foot infection.  This is an infection which usually occurs between the toes but can occur on all parts of the foot.  It is a most uncomfortable condition and if left untreated can spread to the hands and other parts of the body.

Essential oils are extremely useful in controlling athletes foot infection.  They are gentle enough to be used long term and yet their therapeutic action works to keep the infection at bay if not totally eradicate it.  They are also very pleasant to use unlike many chemical preparations which are available.  Patchouli oil for instance is  a skin cell regenerator and so when blended with  antibacterial, anti fungal and and antiseptic oils will immediately calm and soothe the affected area.  Ditch that Itch can  used for the whole of the summer to help keep your feet free of infection and silky smooth.

Category: Athletes Foot

My 15 year old daughter has multiple verrucae on both feet.

February 27, 2010

We received an e-mail from a delighted mother whose daughter had suffered from multiple verucae for two years.  She had tried all over the counter medication and her doctor was at a loss as to what to suggest next. 

Footessetials are hearing stories similiar to this all the time.  Verrucae are very common.  The verrucae virus is notoriously difficult to treat.  Certain essential oils are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antiseptic and analgesic.  Blended together they have proved to be a very potent therapeutic treatment for this stubborn virus.

When the oils are being used it is not advisable to debride or remove any hard skin which may form over the verrucae.  Essential oils need to be applied at least twice per day in order for them to remain in the bloodstream and perform their miraculous work.

Category: Verrucaes

How do I treat fungal nail infection?

February 26, 2010

This is the question most frequently asked when we visit chiropody/podiatry conferences around the country.  Fungal nail infection is an usightly infection and can affect single toe nails or indeed all of a persons toe nails.  It is a distressing infection to have as come the hot summer months it becomes  embarrasing to ‘bear ones sole!’ 

The aromatherapy oil blend used in Nourish that Nail is antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic.  It is pleasurable and easy to use and very effective.    So many people these days want to use a natural product if they possibly can and when they find one which is curing long standing  fungal nail infection it is such a joy to them.  We have such wonderful natural remedies on earth without resorting to man made chemicals.  We are so very lucky!

Category: Nail fungus

What causes a fungal nail infection?

August 31, 2009

A dermatophyte foot fungus causes a fungal infection. This infection causes onychomycosis which is commonly known as athlete’s foot or foot fungus. The infection turns the toenails or fingernails into a different colour, tears the nail and releases a bad smell. This is accompanied by irritation in the infected area. Wearing shoes and walking could result in serious pain.

The infection spreads from the skin of the toe and enters deep inside the nail bed. This results in an infection which causes irritation and pain.

The infection is common in adults with more than 90 per cent of cases seen in older people. On the other hand, the infection is rare in children with only 2.6 per cent of the cases seen in children below 18 years of age.

Treatment:
1) Oral pills are prescribed as a treatment against such an infection. Anti-nail Fungus-Rx with a wide spectrum of antifungal extracts can be effective in healing the infection.

2) Sprays, powders and gels are available for external application over the infected area. These work very well but are only effective for as long as you keep using them.

3) Home remedies could also be helpful at times and in comparison to creams and pills, they are less expensive.

The infection spreads in wet and moist areas such as bathrooms, swimming pools, changing rooms, etc. Anyone encountering such symptoms should consult a dermatologist immediately. It is essential to keep high standards of personal hygiene. One should wash their hands and feet with an anti-fungal soap applicant to avoid any infections.

Category: Nail fungus

Steps on how to avoid toenail fungus

August 28, 2009

It is crucial to maintain our nails as they may attract various fungal diseases which can prove annoying. Personal hygiene is of paramount importance. Toenail fungus is one of the foot diseases that can cause severe problems.

The best way to get rid of toenail fungus and repeat infections is by following the various prevention steps.

• After bathing, dry your hands and feet, cleaning in between your toes and hands. Trim your nails regularly or clean dirt from long nails.

• Change your socks frequently. Try wearing synthetic socks as they soak up sweat more than woollen or cotton socks.

• Avoid walking barefoot, especially in gyms, on wet floors, in locker rooms etc as this will prevent contact with dirt and various fungi. An anti fungal spray and essential oils can be best to avoid fungal reactions. Spray them on your feet and shoes.

• Wear open-toed shoes rather than closed ones to allow fresh air to pass inside, avoiding sweat. Where necessary, wear rubber gloves to prevent excess contact with water.

• Look for the best foot treatments to reduce health problems. Manicures and pedicures ensure unsoiled nails. Foot treatments with special natural oils will keep your feet soft and germ free.

• Avoid nail polishes when infected as this can attract moisture, making the situation worse.

These steps ensure good results, keeping your nails sparkling and germ free.

Category: Nail fungus

Fungal nail infections - the symptoms and the treatment

August 26, 2009

The treatment for fungal nail infections like Onychomycosis can involve any one of the following methods:

a) Oral pills
b) External applicants
c) Natural herbs

Onychomycosis is caused by a fungal infection that gives a different colour to the toe nail. The nail could also get torn apart and give off a bad and unpleasant smell. Caused by a dermatophyte fungus, the infection results in severe irritation in the infected area. This is accompanied by serious pain while walking in shoes.

The fungus attacks the plantar skin of a toe and then spreads by entering the nail bed. People suffering from diabetes are more prone to such an infection.

Oral pills such as an anti-nail Fungus-Rx which has a wide spectrum of anti-fungal extracts can be effective in healing the infection. Other oral pills could also be effective but can be accompanied by side effects.

External applicants include sprays, powders, creams, etc. These applicants are applied externally on the infected area. These are effective, too, but only as long as you keep using them.

Natural herbs like cider vinegar and tea tree oil can also be effective in curing such an infection.

Maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene is very important. You should wash your hands and feet properly with an anti-fungal soap or liquid.

Anyone suffering from such an infection should avoid going to places like swimming pools, gyms or changing rooms. These places are moist and humid and are a good medium for spreading such an infection.

Category: Nail fungus

Are you a victim of skin fungal infection?

August 21, 2009

If your toe nails have a bad, abnormal odour and have got a different colour, there is the possibility that you have been infected by a fungal skin infection. Such an infection is caused by a dermatophyte fungus. This fungus can result in an infection called ‘Onychomycosis’ (also known as Athlete’s foot or foot fungus). One experiences severe pain in the toe while walking in shoes due to severe pressure placed on the toe nail. This is accompanied by a lot of irritation in the infected area itself.

The occurrence of Onychomycosis is the biggest reason for nail infections in adults. Ninety percent of nail infection cases are seen in adults. Older people suffering from diabetes are more prone to such an infection. On the other hand rare cases, as low as 2.6 per cent, are seen in younger children below eighteen years of age.

Anyone suffering from such an infection should consult a dermatologist immediately. These infections are contagious and can spread from person to person. Maintaining personal hygiene is very crucial, especially if you find you are prone to these infections. Moist and damp places like a swimming pool, changing room, gym, etc. are breeding grounds and they spread the infection quickly.

The treatment for Onychomycosis is aided by the use of oral medicines, external applicants or natural herbs.

Oral medicines are effective but need to be taken for a long time. Also, these pills might have side effects such as headaches, rashes on the skin, stomach upsets, etc. There have been cases of liver damage and other such medical issues too. External applicants may involve the application of a powder, cream on the infected area. These are more effective than oral pills but only if you are willing to continue buying these applicants for a while.

Natural herbs like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil are effective in curing such an infection. There’s also a benefit to your overall health as well.

Category: Athletes Foot
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