Foot and Nail Fungus:

Dermatophytes are the usual foot and nail fungi.

Though it can be caused by the same kind of fungus, foot and nail fungal infections are separated into each of their own categories because of difference in treatment and presentation.

Foot fungus causes the condition we know as "athlete's foot". It is an infection of the skin of the foot, usually the areas between the toes, by fungi we call dermatophytes.

Athlete's foot is otherwise called Tinea pedis, in medical jargon. The fungus is found in areas like locker room floors, swimming pools, and even in clothing like underwear and socks.

When they infect the skin, the fungus thrives in dark, moist, and warm areas like the feet, groin, armpits, trunk, and scalp.

Athlete's foot causes itching and pain in the skin of the foot usually the area between the toes and at the soles. It can also cause blistering, redness, and cracking of the skin in the affected areas.

The foot fungus thrives only in warm and moist areas. Without these conditions the fungus dies and cannot cause athlete's foot.

However, given the right conditions, it is very easy to spread the infection to other people since direct contact with the spores of the fungus left in clothing and damp floors is all that's needed.

The foot and nail fungus belongs to the same family but causes nail infection, or onychomycosis in medical terminology, when they enter the area beneath your nails.

For this to happen there must be a portal of entry like a small cut on your toe or a small separation between your toe nail and nail bed.

Together with a dark, warm, and moist environment often found in your shoes the nail fungus thrives and can cause disease.

It starts out as a white spot in your toe nail that can spread and cause thickening of the nail. The nail may then become distorted in shape and separate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis.

If this condition continues, you may even note a slightly foul odor or feel some pain in the affected toe.

Natural Cures for Foot and Nail Fungus:

Foot Hygiene:

A natural cure to foot and nail fungi infection is proper foot hygiene.

• Keep your feet dry
• Wash your feet with soap and water before going to bed
• Change socks often
• Dry and deodorize your shoes every now and then, especially if they get wet, to get rid of the foot and nail fungus.

Foot Powder:

Over-the-counter foot powder preparations are useful home remedies to keep your feet dry.

Remember that moist environments support the growth of the fungus and denying them that factor can help get rid of them.

There are also anti-fungal foot powders you can use to get rid of foot fungus.

Creams and Ointments:

Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and ointments are a common home remedy and may be very effective.

It may take 2 weeks to a month to effectively eradicate the fungus.

Oral Antifungal Medications:

Oral antifungal meds are the usual course of treatment for nail fungus because of the difficulty in treating nail infections.

Itraconazole, Fluconazole, and Terbinafine are the three usual medications for nail infections and may have to be taken for 6-12 weeks.

Improvement may be slow even while on these medications and may take a minimum of 4 months up to a year until total cure is reached.

Acapulco:

The leaves of the Acapulco shrub are a natural cure and a home remedy for foot fungus or for any other Tinea infection for that matter.

Just pound the leaves, squeeze the juice and then apply this to the affected area.