You may get away with unsightly toenails in cold weather, but the summer months will likely have those little piggies out for all to see. You don't want to keep them locked up all season, plus it is good for them to get a little fresh air. Warm summer weather, wet or moist feet, and going barefoot can increase the risk developing athlete's foot, fungal toenail infections, warts and even parasites. Yuck. Here are some tips to ward off infection and natural remedies for feet you'll want to show off.

Also called tinea pedis, athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal infections and is closely related to jock itch and ringworm. Symptoms include:

• Itching and burning between your toes and cracked and peeling skin.
• It is contagious and is commonly picked up in locker rooms and pools or anywhere you may go barefoot.
• This fungus loves a moist, warm environment so change out of your socks and sneakers after exercise and let those feet breathe.
• Always wear sandals in hotels, pools, locker rooms, etc.
• Change socks regularly if they become sweaty and blow dry your feet.
• Athlete's foot fungi as well as other types of fungus can get under the toenail and cause discoloration, thickening, and cracking of the nails.
• Fungal toenail infections are called onychomycosis and treatment can be difficult and lengthy so talk with your healthcare provider.

For mild cases of athlete's foot, these home remedies may help you get rid of it and can be used as a preventive measure.

 Tea tree oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. A study published in 2002 in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology tested tea tree oil in varying concentrations (25% or 50% tea tree solution) against a placebo on those with athlete's foot. It was applied 2 times a day for 4 weeks. Both groups saw marked improvements. The cure rate was 64% in the 50% solution group, compared to 31% in the group receiving the placebo.

100% Tea tree oil has been shown to be as effective as 1% clotrimazole for onychomycosis (fungal toenail infections). The researchers in the study concluded that topical therapy combined with debridement was an appropriate initial therapy. Filing down a thickened toenail can help topical treatments get closer to the nail bed where the infection is hiding. Champhor, eucalyptus, and thyme essential oils also have anti-fungal properties and can be found in some anti-fungal toenail products. Oral medicines for treating fungal toenail infections can be costly and have serious side effects, but may be required for more serious infections. Those with diabetes, poor circulation, and those with lower immune function are at an increased risk of difficult to treat fungal infections.

There are many anecdotal reports of people having success with common household vinegar or apple cider vinegar, either by soaking their feet in a solution of vinegar and water or dabbing affected areas with vinegar. Theoretically the acidity of the vinegar makes your foot (or toenails) an inhospitable place for the fungus to thrive. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) soaks are not only a good way to relax; they may also help clear up athlete's foot and fungal toenails. Although not an anti-fungal, it can increase circulation and can be used in conjunction with other therapies. Many of these home remedies need to be done daily, preferably twice daily, in order to be more effective. It can take many months to grow out a bad toenail, patience is a must!

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which loves a warm, moist environment and enters through little cuts or cracks in your skin. Plantars warts occur on the bottom of feet and are often painful and difficult to treat, but sometimes they can resolve on their own. The treatments themselves are also painful including salicylic acid, cryotherapy (freezing), or even surgery. But, before trying any of these you may want to consider applying duct tape over the wart which may stimulate an immune response. Although studies have been mixed on the effectiveness of duct tape, it certainly may be worth a try, especially now that duct tape comes in a variety of designs and colors. Leave the duct tape on for up to 6 days followed by soaking and removal of dead skin with an emery board or pumice stone. Leave the wart open to air for half a day and repeat as long as the wart remains. Some have combined this therapy with salicylic acid or Imiquimod, a medicine that stimulates an immune response around the wart.

This article is for information only and is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any conditions. Please seek the advice and care of a qualified healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the health of your feet.

References:

PubMed Health – Athlete's Foot

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001878

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How to prevent smelly feet

Get rid of that embarrassing odor once and for all

Nothing ruins your entryway, date night, or a good pair of shoes like a stink. And once the smell starts, it’s hard to keep it from invading the rest of your footwear. That’s because even the most delicate shoes are a dark, sweaty breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. You can’t completely remove it, but you can control the stench. Before you lose another pair of pumps, try these expert tips for nipping smelly feet in the bud before it starts. So the next time a hostess says, “Would you mind taking your shoes off,” you can do so in confidence.

• Try to stay dry

“The best way to prevent smelly feet is to keep your feet dry,” says Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board certified dermatologist. Towel off your feet—especially in between toes—after the shower, and dab them with anti-fungal powder that keeps you dry while warding off odor-causing fungus.

•   Wear socks when you can

Socks and pumps aren’t exactly a fashion statement. But when you skip out on socks there’s nothing to absorb the sweat your feet naturally produce, trapping it between your toes and inside your shoes. If you know you’re going sockless, try dotting antiperspirant on the bottoms of your feet and between toes.

• Prep your shoes

Sprinkle baby powder (or a more targeted odor-eating powder) on the insides of your shoes before and after you wear them. And get them out of your dark, damp closet! Just like your aching dogs, your shoes need to be aired out, too.

• Head to the liquor cabinet

If your feet end up smelling less than swell no matter what, wipe them down with a vodka-soaked washcloth to get rid of the stench. It's the same principle as rubbing alcohol (which works equally well if you'd rather drink your Grey Goose).    Vodka contains alcohol, which is antiseptic and drying, so it destroys odor-causing fungus and bacteria and dries out the moisture that lets these organisms grow.

• When to see a doc

If you still can’t get your sweat under control, see your dermatologist and ask her about Drysol, an anti-sweat prescription in the form of a roller ball specifically formulated for reducing the amount of sweat your foot produces.