The term athlete's foot did not come into use until the 20th century, but this common condition has long been the target of folk treatments. Athlete's foot is a fungus infection of the moist skin between the toes. The resulting redness, discomfort, and occasional cracks in the skin are similar to the effects of ringworm. In fact, athlete's foot was known to some as "ringworm of the feet," and many of the same antifungal remedies are used for both.

Severe cases can produce weeping blisters and infect the toenails. In such cases, and if the condition worsens with over-thecounter or herbal treatment, consult your physician.

When using either a home remedy or an over-the-counter medication, air your feet often and keep them as clean and dry as possible. To prevent a recurrence, continue treatment for one week after the infection is no longer visible.

The most practical folk cures are those with antiseptic and antifungal properties that are applied directly to the affected skin. The external use of garlic, for example, has shown real results; its antifungal agents are activated when the garlic clove is crushed.

Herbal Remedies

Garlic Crush a raw garlic clove and apply the pulp directly to the skin. If irritation occurs, rinse the skin with cold water and place a cloth on the affected area before reapplying.

Tea tree oil Steam the leaves to distill the antifungal pale yellow oil. Apply two or three times a day. If you use commercial tea tree oil, make sure the label says "pure." Ointments with a reduced concentration are available.