Definition
Athlete's foot is a common name given to a fungus infection of the skin that predominately occurs in between toes but can occur anywhere on the foot. It causes intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of skin, redness and scaling. The condition usually occurs between the toes or on the soles or sides of the feet. Athlete's Foot can spread to the toenails, causing chronic fungal infections.
Cause
Fungal infections like Athlete's Foot are often contracted in communal areas such as showers, gyms, dressing rooms, swimming pool lockers, or other warm, damp areas where fungus can grow fast.
Fungal spores are on your feet, they can enter fissures or sores and remain there to spread, unless the feet are carefully washed and thoroughly dried after exposure.
Athlete's Foot can spread from the toes to the toenails. It is also possible to spread the infection to other parts of the body like fingernails, underarm and groin after scratching the fungal area.
Not changing your socks on a regular basis can also encourage the build up of fungi in between the toes.
People with excessively sweaty feet are more prone to this condition.
People with diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections which can lead to serious medical problems.
Treatment & Prevention
Athlete's Foot can be prevented with vigilant foot hygiene.
It is very important to wash the feet with soap and water and thoroughly dry especially between the toes.
Pay careful attention to wear airy shoes and socks, do not borrow footwear from anybody else, and avoid tight hosiery.
When using communal showers or pool areas it is a good idea to wear protective shoes.
Anti-fungal powders can be used in socks and shoes.
Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture.
Treat excessively sweaty feet.
Change socks daily.
Once you have an infection, you must see a doctor and have the problem diagnosed correctly, and treat it promptly.
