Treating Infections on Hands and Feet Naturally

Get Rid of Bacteria That Infect Body Extremeties

Oct 8, 2009

Antibiotic use should be reserved for serious infections. Skin wounds and cuts on fingers and toes may get infected, but they can be treated with these home remedies.

Most people clean a wound as soon as it happens with soap and water, put an elastic bandage on it and forget it. A well-nourished body has the ability to fight infection and heal injuries quickly. When resistance is down from lack of rest, a poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins and stress, breaks in the skin may easily become infected .

Soaks for Feet and Hands Treatment

The hands skin and feet skin receive the least blood circulation as they are farthest from the heart. Part of the strategy to stimulate healing of body extremities is to increase circulation to those areas. Warm soaks with epsom salts are often enough to do this. But alternating cold and hot temperatures stimulates the back-and-forth flow of fresh blood. This helps the body bring more nutrients and infection-fighting white blood cells while increasing blood cells and lymph abilities to carry waste away. Being careful to avoid burns, use water that is very warm and alternate with very cold water, changing every three minutes for 15 minutes up to four times a day.

Rest and Elevate to Decrease Swelling Hands and Feet

Rest is very important for healing, stay in bed for a day or two if necessary. Elevate the affected area higher than the heart to increase circulation and reduce swelling and pain. Swelling in extremities on both sides can be a symptom of more serious disease, those who have a history of heart conditions and those who are pregnant should see a doctor. Drink plenty of fluids including filtered water and fresh lemon juice, and at least three cups daily of herb tea made from echinacea, goldenseal, and astragalus for one week.

Apply Natural Antiseptics

There are several natural topical applications that reduce the spread of infection and kill bacteria. Honey draws the moisture out of germs. Goldenseal extract applied to wounds directly or as a poultice inhibits bacterial growth. Use an alcohol-free form to prevent burning. Tea tree oil is a potent antiseptic. Dilute with four parts water and apply using cotton balls three times a day.

Add Healing Foods to the Diet

Raw pineapple when eaten daily provides bromelain which fights inflammation and speeds natural healing. Garlic and onions provide sulfur; sulfur deficiency lowers the body's resistance to infection. Healing herbs that cleanse the blood are burdock root, cayenne pepper, dandelion root, red clover and yellow dock. Fasting one to three days on fresh vegetable and fruit juices clears the body of toxins and allows efficient healing to take place.

Allow a Reasonable Time Frame

Healing treatment should begin to show results in a day or two with complete resolution in 7 to 14 days. Skin healing may be impaired in diabetics, who should seek medical treatment. A healthcare practitioner should be consulted if pain or swelling increase or if red streaks form, as these may indicate serious infection. If treatment with antibiotics is necessary, a high potency combination probiotic supplement can replace "friendly" bacteria. To keep infections from coming back eat a diet of whole (not processed or junk) foods with plenty of vegetables and fruit, get regular moderate exercise and adequate rest.

Helping the body to fight infections on a hand or foot involves soaking, drinking extra fluids, rest, elevation of the affected area, using antiseptic dressing and helpful herbs and making dietary changes that aid healing. With diligent use of these treatments a trip to the doctor's office can probably be avoided.

References

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