Want an unconventional cure for athletes foot?
The most common home remedies include baking soda in vinegar. There us also rubbing Vick’s Vapo Rub on to affected areas to remove flaking and to kill the fungus. Of course there is the usual anti-fungal creams that you can buy over the counter.
Perhaps the weirdest one is dog saliva.
Normally, people would want to wash their pet’s drool off their skin the moment they get the chance. But a lot of people would think twice, especially if they are using dog drool to cure this pesky skin problem.
Dog Saliva as a Cure for Athletes Foot
Athlete’s foot is one of today’s most common skin infection. It occurs when you come in contact with surfaces that have the fungus, from wet gym floors to contaminated towels and slippers. The good news is that there are a lot of topical creams that can remove athlete’s foot in a matter of weeks.
Want a less expensive approach? Try having the pet dog lick the affected areas regularly and see if this is the cure people are claiming it to be.
Why Dog Saliva?
Dog saliva has antimicrobial properties. In fact, it’s believed mother dogs lick their puppies to protect them from bacteria and other harmful microbes.
The same property is present in human saliva. Human saliva is thought to contain histatins, compounds that naturally fight fungus and bacteria. This same compound is present in canine saliva as well.
Researchers from the London School of Medicine and Dentistry also say the act of licking wounds may be beneficial. It promotes wound healing. Histatins are believed to be present in dog saliva. They prompt skin cells to close over a wound more quickly, which means rapid wound repair and recovery.
Several studies have also found that a compound called Nerve Growth Factor in saliva can speed up wound healing compared to wounds that have not been applied with saliva.
The Problem with Dog Saliva
One problem with having your dog lick your fungus-covered feet is that you may need to have this done a few times.
Doctors also caution against having your dog lick your feet if you have broken skin. Dog saliva is notorious for having its fair share of germs and bacteria. You may be introducing more bacteria if you opt for this method of treatment.
Several studies have found that the saliva of mammals contain certain types of anaerobic bacteria such as Pasteurella. This can cause serious infections when it gets into an open wound.
Dog saliva as a cure for athlete’s foot is not really something that most doctors would recommend. No definitive studies have been done on its efficacy.
If you are also one of those people who are particularly sensitive and ticklish, the sensation of your dog licking your feet may be too much for you.
There is really no definitive answer to whether dog saliva can serve as a great alternative to anti-fungal creams or not. But, if you are not too ticklish and you have the time to sit down, put your feet up and have your pooch lick your athlete’s foot away, then do so by all means.
