Reflexology is the most popular treatment I offer but you don’t have to miss out if you think you may have athletes foot.

Athlete’s foot (also known as ringworm of the foot or tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the foot, especially between the toes. The infection can make the skin can turn white and thicken. The fungus can also cause the skin to redden, crack and flake and this may cause itching.

If the infection spreads across the sole of the foot it is referred to as moccasin athlete’s foot. The soles of the feet, the heels and the edges of the feet are then dry, scaly and may be itchy.

You can treat athlete’s foot naturally by soaking your feet for at least 10 minutes in warm water. Add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of Himalayan crystal salt or sea salt to the water and repeat this for up to two weeks. When drying your feet it is important to make sure they are completely dry.

Essential oils that are particularly helpful in treating athlete’s foot are tea tree and peppermint. Tea tree oil is well known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and peppermint oil has astringent and antimicrobial properties and contains menthol, which can help provide relief to the inflammation this condition causes. The combination of these oils create a perfect synergy to combat athletes foot. They must not be used neat on the skin as they need to be added to a carrier oil or cream before application.

Athlete’s foot is mildly contagious so hygiene is particularly important to stop the infection from spreading. It can be picked up by direct contact with the infection and by skin particles left on towels, shoes, or floors. Walking barefoot may increase your chances of spreading the infection.

Dry your feet well after washing them, particularly between your toes and dab them dry rather than rubbing them. Use a separate towel for your feet and wash it after each use.

Wear clean socks every day – cotton socks are the best.

To get athlete’s foot out of your shoes, dampen a washcloth with a mixture of vinegar and salt and wipe down the inside of your shoes to prevent the fungus from staying there. Make sure they are well aired and dry before wearing again.

Athletes foot Is contra-indicated as a treatment as it could potentially spread the infection, however; if the infection is tiny and contained to a small area between the toes, these areas can be easily avoided during a reflexology treatment. I always add tea tree essential oil and peppermint essential oil in the foot cream if athletes foot is suspected.

Cross contamination is not a problem as all towels and tools are washed and sterilised after each reflexology treatment.

If you would like more information about the treatments I offer, contact me today.