Irene McCabe, naturopathic nutritionist:

Athlete’s foot can be such an annoying irritating itchy nuisance which is fungal in nature. It affects everyone at one time or another and is caused by warm moist conditions. It can be isolated or can be related to the fungal condition Candida albicans. If you have fungal infections in other areas as well as your feet such as thrush or a rash under breasts, nail fungal infections, dry scalp etc it may be worth seeing your GP to have your blood sugar levels assessed.

One of the best remedies I know of for helping this condition is by using sodium bicarbonate followed by Oil of Oregano or Calendula Cream. Wash your feet each night for one week in a basin of warm water. Add some bicarbonate of soda. Enjoy the soak for half an hour. After soaking dry your feet well. Oil of oregano comes in gel capsules. Pierce a couple of little capsules which should cover the average size foot and massage the oil gently into the fungal area. Try on only a small area first as some oregano products can sting a little, if it stings, use calendula cream instead. Calendula cream is not as anti fungal as the oregano but it can work very well for some people, it does not have the sting factor, and it’s very soothing. Put on a sock and let the oil or cream soak in. You should see an improvement in a week or so.

Nikki Biddiss, medical herbalist:

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal foot infection. In small amounts, fungus does no harm but in warm, moist and airless areas (between toes) it can multiply. It then causes an itchy, scaly rash and the skin can become cracked and sore and attract secondary bacterial infection. It can spread to other parts of the body such as the groin or nails and can be passed from person to person.

It is best to treat the infection straight away as it can be difficult to shift if it becomes embedded in the nails. There are a number of herbs that can be applied topically (externally). Garlic is anti-fungal and can be bought in ready to apply cream or gel. Wiping the area with distilled witch hazel with added thuja tincture, aloe vera gel or tea tree essential oil (diluted in sweet almond oil if you find it too strong on your skin) may all ease symptoms. Powdered myrrh could be placed in socks and shoes.

To prevent reoccurrence, wash feet regularly and dry thoroughly. Change socks daily, alternate footwear and avoid shoes that make you sweat. Wear flip-flops in communal sports changing rooms. At home remove shoes and socks and wear open slippers to air the feet as much as possible.