Fungal infections of the feet are also known as Athlete's feet and caused by the trichophyton fungus which leads to itching, redness and scaling of the skin of the feet. It can sometimes also lead to blisters and sores on the sole of the feet which produce a fluid that may ooze out. Unlike the name, however, it does not affect only athletes but anybody who wears heavy shoes for a long period, or who is exposed to damp and warm places such as the gym locker room, swimming pool dressing rooms etc where the fungus has ample opportunity to thrive. It is for this reason that men are more susceptible to infections of the feet, than women who tend to wear open toed sandals which allow the feet to breathe. People with lowered immunity systems because of diabetes or AIDS are more susceptible to athlete's foot.
If you have a foot infection, you should take care to keep your feet clean and dry. Dry your feet properly after a shower and dust them with an anti-fungal before you wear your shoes. Also remember to change your socks daily, especially if you sweat a lot in your feet and never to share your towel, socks or footwear with anyone since that is the easiest way for the infection to be passed on. You can also soak your feet in a tub of warm water with 40 drops of tea tree oil which acts as a natural anti-fungal agent. Remember to dry your feet thoroughly afterwards, using a hair dryer if necessary. You can also sprinkle some baking soda between your toes or in your shoes, since it absorbs the sweat and will keep your feet dry for a longer period. Corn starch also has the same effect so you can also rub some corn starch on the soles of your feet or between your toes. Apart from this garlic is beneficial for curing foot infections so you should add garlic to your food preparations. You can also place a few garlic pods in your shoes or between your toes to speed up the healing process. Alternately you can make a paste of 1 crushed garlic clove and a few drops of olive oil which you can apply on your toe nails and between your toes and wash off after 15 to 30 minutes. Since olive oil is an excellent anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent you should consume olive oil directly or use it in your food preparations.
answered by G M