Athlete's Foot
This is a common infection of the skin that is caused by a fungus. Fungus infections can occur anywhere on the body; when it is localized to the foot, it is known as tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot. It is called athlete's foot because athletes often have sweaty feet and use facilities where fungus was most found.
Fungal infections are more common in warmer weathers because feet tend to sweat more. Fungus tends to live in moist, damp areas such as showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. It tends to affect the feet because fungus thrives in dark, moist, warm environments such as shoes.
Athletes' foot usually produce itchy, dry, scaling skin. Commonly it is found on the soles of both feet and between the toes. In advance cases it can cause blistering, inflammation, and fissures. In these advanced cases, concurrent bacterial infections may occur. The fungus can also spread to other body parts, including the toenails.
Avoid walking barefoot and practice proper foot hygiene can help decrease spread of the infection. Feet should be washed daily with soap and water and thoroughly dried. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, change socks frequently. Antifungal powder, sprays, creams, shampoos, and/or oral medications may be used to treat fungal infections. Foot and ankle specialists can tailor the treatment as per each individual's case.
This is a common infection of the skin that is caused by a fungus. Fungus infections can occur anywhere on the body; when it is localized to the foot, it is known as tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot. It is called athlete's foot because athletes often have sweaty feet and use facilities where fungus was most found.
Fungal infections are more common in warmer weathers because feet tend to sweat more. Fungus tends to live in moist, damp areas such as showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. It tends to affect the feet because fungus thrives in dark, moist, warm environments such as shoes.
Athletes' foot usually produce itchy, dry, scaling skin. Commonly it is found on the soles of both feet and between the toes. In advance cases it can cause blistering, inflammation, and fissures. In these advanced cases, concurrent bacterial infections may occur. The fungus can also spread to other body parts, including the toenails.
Avoid walking barefoot and practice proper foot hygiene can help decrease spread of the infection. Feet should be washed daily with soap and water and thoroughly dried. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, change socks frequently. Antifungal powder, sprays, creams, shampoos, and/or oral medications may be used to treat fungal infections. Foot and ankle specialists can tailor the treatment as per each individual's case.