Summer Skin & Nails

As we spend increasing time in our jandals and sandals over the summer months, or just plain old barefoot, our feet and toes are suddenly exposed to view. What can be hidden in the cooler months is less easily forgotten about when it gets hot, and if you suffer from any kind of Athlete’s Foot, you might just be thinking now is the time to do something about it! Tinea pedis, commonly called Athlete’s Foot, is also known by many lovely colloquial names, including the rather unfortunate ‘toe-jam’.  It is the most common fungal infection that we humans are afflicted by, and involves one of three fungal organisms, withTrichophyton rubrum being the most common (and apparently the most stubborn!). This infection can be on the skin of the feet, especially between the toes, but also in the toe-nails, the hands and fingernails, and occasionally the groin area can be involved, more commonly in men.  Two native New Zealand plants and one common kitchen herb may have the answer! The Cawthron Institute in New Zealand has confirmed the traditional Maori understanding that both Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), and Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) have anti-fungal actions against a wide range of organisms that cause skin infections, including specifically Trichophytonspecies.  Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), known to many as the flavour of stuffed chicken or pizza sauce, is also a powerful anti-fungal agent. When used in its concentrated extract form, the high levels of thymol present contribute to stopping the spread and growth of the fungal infection and can be found in our Manuka Paint.  When all these three plants are used together, the synergy of their anti-fungal effect presents a potent blend to attack the fungal organisms directly. These herbs and extracts also have significant anti-inflammatory actions to reduce the irritation and redness of the skin, and a natural astringency to aid in the healing of effected tissues.  Discover the naturally potent powers of New Zealand herbal medicines like our Manuka Oil to help your poorly little toes and eradicate your unwanted Trichophyton guests today! Next summer when they come out to play they’ll be thanking you for it.