Athlete’s foot is a skin infection. The situation easily spreads in public places such as communal showers and swimming pools. It is a caused by a fungus and usually occurring between the toes. The fungus can be spread from person to person by touch with these sources. Without correct growing conditions (a warm, moist environment), the fungus cannot affect the skin. Up to 70% of the population will have athletes foot at some time throughout their lives. Athlete foot is also known as tinea pedis. Tinea is a type of fungus, and “pedis” is the Latin word for “foot.” The fungus usually attacks the feet as shoes hatches a warm, dark, and humid environment that enhances fungus growth. When the skin is harmed by the fungus, bacteria can also invade it. These bacteria can cause a bad smell.

Athlete’s foot can expand to the soles of the feet and toenails. It may affets other parts of the body, mainly the groin and underarms, from where who scratch the infection and then contact themselves at other place. The organisms causing athlete’s foot may insists for long time. Athlete’s foot should never be neglected–it can be easily treated, but it also can be very resistant to treatment. Accordingly, the infection can extend by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot

Common causes of Athletes Foot :

• Dermatophytes.
• Ringworm fungus.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Common Symptoms of Athletes Foot :

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

Treatment of Athlete’s Foot

Common Treatment of Athletes Foot :

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

Prevention Tips

• Always dry the feet, paying particular attention to the toe webs.
• After drying, apply anti fungal lotion and continue this with an anti fungal foot powder. Zeasorb AF is effective as it have no cornstarch, a substance which encourages fungal growth.
• Change 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 in warm weather. It will make perspire more.
• Throw away worn-out exercise shoes.
• Wear waterproof sandals in public showers and pools.