Athlete's Foot - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Athlete's foot is a skin infection. The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers. It is a caused by a fungus and usually occurring between the toes. The fungus can be spread from person to person by contact with these objects. However, without proper growing conditions (a warm, moist environment), the fungus will not infect the skin. Up to 70% of the population will have athletes foot at some time during their lives. Athlete foot is also called tinea pedis. Tinea is a type of fungus, and "pedis" is the Latin word for "foot." The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth. When the skin is injured by the fungus, bacteria can also invade the skin. These bacteria can cause a bad smell.

Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may persist for long periods. Athlete's foot should not be ignored--it can be easily treated, but it also can be very resistant to treatment. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.

Causes of Athletes Foot

Common causes of Athletes Foot

• Dermatophytes.
• Ringworm fungus.

Symptoms of Athletes Foot

Athlete's foot may affect different people in different ways. Some of the common symptoms are: itching, scaling, peeling and cracking of the skin between the toes, and redness, scaling and even blisters on the soles and along the sides of the feet. Common Symptoms of Athletes Foot

• Dry skin.
• Itching.
• Scaling.
• Inflammation.
• Blisters.
• Chronic.
• Leg swelling.
• Cracking.
• Pain.
• Bleeding.

Treatment of Athletes Foot

Common Treatment of Athletes Foot

• Medicated powders (such as with miconazole ,tolnaftate and clotrimazole), can help keep your feet dry.
• Wear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily.
• Avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes.
• Spray your shoes with a disinfectant and set them in out in the sun to help kill germs.
• Keep home bathroom surfaces clean - especially showers and tubs.
• Wash your feet every day.
• Change socks daily, and try to alternate shoes on different days, to allow the shoes to fully dry out.

Prevention Tips of Athlete's Foot

• Always dry the feet, paying particular attention to the toe webs.
• After drying, apply anti fungal lotion and follow this with an anti fungal foot powder. Zeasorb AF is good because it contains no cornstarch, a substance that can encourage fungal growth.
• Change your socks and underwear every day, especially in warm weather.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Instead, wear "flip-flops," sandals or water shoes.
• Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm weather. It will make you sweat more.
• Throw away worn-out exercise shoes. Never borrow other people's shoes.
• Wear waterproof sandals in public showers and pools.

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