Athlete's Foot: It Does Exist..

Though the Olympics are now over, the Paralympics have just begun; and to keep up with the theme of "athletes" and abilities, here is information on Athlete's Foot.

Athlete's Foot is not only for athletes as its an infection growing on the skin of your feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. Athlete's foot may last for a short or long period of time and may come back after treatment. In addition to the toes, it may also occur on the heels, palms, and between the fingers.

Athlete's foot is the most common type of tinea fungal infections. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas. Your risk for getting athlete's foot increases if you:

• Wear closed shoes, especially if they are plastic-lined
• Keep your feet wet for prolonged periods of time
• Sweat a lot
• Develop a minor skin or nail injury

Athlete's foot is contagious, and can be passed through direct contact, or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces.

Symptoms
The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or side of the foot. Other symptoms can include:

• Red and itchy skin
• Burning or stinging pain
• Blisters that ooze or get crusty

If the fungus spreads to your nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble.

Athlete's foot may occur at the same time as other fungal skin infections such as ringworm or jock itch.

Treatment
Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams can help control the infection. These generally contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate. Keep using the medicine for 1 - 2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent the infection from returning.
In addition:

• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes.
• Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area very carefully and completely. Try to do this at least twice a day.
• Wear clean, cotton socks and change your socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep your feet dry.

Athlete's foot almost always responds well to self-care, although it may come back. If athlete's foot does not get better in 2-4 weeks with self-care, or frequently returns, see your health care provider. The health care provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole orterbinafine. 

Call your doctor right away if:

• Your foot is swollen and warm to the touch, especially if there are red streaks. These are signs of a possible bacterial infection. Other signs include pus, drainage, and fever.
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system and develop athlete's foot.
• Also call your doctor if athlete's foot symptoms do not go away within 2- 4 weeks of self-care treatments.

Prevention
To prevent athlete's foot, follow these measures:

• Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming.
• Wear sandals or flip-flops at a public shower or pool.
• Change your socks often to keep your feet dry. This should be done at least once a day.
• Use antifungal or drying powders to prevent athlete's foot if you are susceptible to getting it, or you frequent areas where athlete's foot fungus is common (like public showers).
• Wear shoes that are well ventilated and, preferably, made of natural material such as leather. It may help to alternate shoes each day, so they can dry completely between wearings. Avoid plastic-lined shoes.

More for more information on Athletes Foot go HERE.