Herbs and Children – Athlete’s Foot

Welcome to my monthly series…Herbs and Children! I have been learning so much about herbs and how to treat a variety of illnesses, infections, skin conditions, emotions, and other issues in children. While I am far from an expert, I do feel as though I have a lot of great information to share with you that can then use to do your own further research. Each month, I will share a specific “condition” or health concern and the specific herbs that are known to be safe and effective to use on and in your children to address these conditions. Be sure to read to the end of each post where I link up the previous posts in the series. Also, there may be a few links for products from my affiliate partners. If you click on them and make a purchase, it helps support my blog. And remember, I am not a licensed medical professional nor do I play one on this blog. Nothing I write should be taken as medical advice.

On Wednesday we talked about Coconut Oil and Athlete's Foot. Good post. Go read it. I'll wait….

Back so soon? You sure you read it? Mmmmkay. I believe you!

Children are certainly not immune from contracting Athlete's Foot. It is not that difficult to get since children tend to run around barefoot a lot.

Quick recap for you all… Athlete's foot is an infection also called tinea pedis, caused when various types of fungus invade the skin. It usually occurs between the toes but can also occur on the bottom and sides of the feet and is highly contagious. It can spread to other parts of the body (most notably under the arms and under the breasts) and can affect your toenails. Athlete's foot usually causes itching, stinging, redness, flaky skin, and burning.

So what herbs can you rely on if your child contacts Athlete's Foot?

Tea Tree Oil – this is what I consider the first line of defense either after or along with coconut oil. Tea Tree Oil has tons of anti-fungal properties. It aids both in healing and in relieving the itch and discomfort. You can use it straight for children over 13 and dilute in water or coconut oil for young children. I like this one.

Myrrh – bet you didn't see that coming! Myrrh is actually another anti-fungal herb and while not quite as powerful as tea tree oil, it tends to be a bit more gentle. Myrrh is best used as a foot soak or wash. Warm water with about 10 drops mixed in works well. Myrrh can be tricky to find but this is always a good bet.

Garlic – another powerhouse and while not an herb, it needs to be mentioned! Garlic can be applied to the rash as a paste or in extract form. Kids get a kick out of the new twist on stinky feet. And while they are all full of giggles, the garlic is attacking the fungus and infection on their feet.

Let's hope your child is never cursed with a case of Athlete's Foot but if he or she is, stock your natural medicine cabinet with coconut oil, tea tree oil, myrrh and garlic and everything will be alright!

And now, two additional pictures of some really, really, really adorable feet!