Athlete's Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually occurs between the toes. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. Warm, damp areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Athlete's Foot include drying skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters on and between the toes. Athlete's Foot can spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails as well as other parts of the body, which is why timely treatment is so important.
Athlete's Foot and Toenail Fungus
As mentioned above Athlete's Foot can spread to the toenails. In fact, it almost always precedes the start of toenail fungus. Because fungal toenails are so difficult to treat putting off Athlete's Foot is a bad idea. Learn more about treatment of toenail fungus.
Treatment
While fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals are usually used to treat Athlete's Foot problems, they often fail to reach the fungi in the lower layers of the skin. For persistent Athlete's Foot, a prescription topical or oral antifungal drug may be needed. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.
Prevention
- Don't walk barefoot, particularly in public pools and locker rooms.
- Reduce foot perspiration by using talcum powder.
- Wear light and airy shoes.
- Wear socks that wick away moisture; change them frequently if you perspire heavily.
