I am bothered by an intense itching between my toes. The skin is red and flaky. I've tried antiseptic creams but they have not cleared the problem. What can I do now?
Conventional remedy
What you describe sounds like a case of Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete's foot. It is a fungal infection that affects the skin between and under the toes. It is most commonly found between the third, fourth and fifth toes, but can spread to affect the soles of the feet. The fungus can, if left untreated, spread to the toenails, which become thickened and yellow.
As you describe, the main symptoms are itchiness, redness and flaking. When the feet become wet, the top layer of skin between the toes becomes white and soggy. Foot odour can be an added complication.
There are several self-help measures. Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible. Carefully dry between the toes after washing or swimming and apply an antifungal powder between the toes. Wear socks made from natural fibres, such as wool or cotton, as they absorb sweat and allow better circulation of air between the toes. Change your socks and shoes daily and, weather permitting, try to wear open-toed sandals or go barefoot. If you swim, wear protective socks or flip-flops, as athlete's foot is easily transmitted to, and picked up from, others.
Medical treatment in the form of an antifungal cream or ointment should be used for two to three weeks, as directed. Your doctor will be able to prescribe a suitable preparation. If the condition has not cleared following these measures, you may need oral antifungal medication.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy
The condition you are describing is most likely to be the fungal condition of athlete's foot. Antiseptic creams will have little effect and may only trap more moisture in the skin. Don't ignore this condition, as it can spread quickly.
When treating fungal infections, circulation of air is vital. Athlete's foot often develops because much of our footwear is made from non-breathable materials. Although this is not the ideal season, wearing open-toe sandals is the best way to solve this problem, as they ensure good air circulation. When this is not possible, you should wear cotton or woollen socks and favour leather over synthetic shoes.
Other preventive measures include taking precautions in swimming baths and shared shower areas by not walking barefoot. Try to keep feet as dry as possible. Don't share or reuse towels after drying your feet.
Treatment with herbs consists of using a warm footbath with antifungal herbs. The common marigold is excellent for this purpose. Dry the flowers in the summer to have a supply for winter. Combining them with thuja or garlic enhances their action. Tea-tree oil is also useful; you can add it to a footbath or use it, diluted, on the affected area.
You may also need to boost your immune system, as fungal infections can be opportunistic if immunity is low. Take echinacea or thuja for a few weeks. And, once again, don't forget your garlic.
To control the condition, consider using powdered antifungal herbs mixed with dried bentonite clay in the shoe and sock. Add a few drops of essential oil of lavender and you have a nice scented talcum powder that should help to stop the athlete's foot from coming back.
Helen McCormack, medical herbalist
The Irish Association of Medical Herbalists is at 01-6281362