General Health Topic

Athlete’s foot

What is Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)?

Tinea Pedis, or "Athlete's Foot", is a superficial fungal infection of the feet. It is the most common fungal infection affecting up to 70% of the population at some time. Fungal infections are usually enhanced by heat, moisture and skin break down. Frequently it starts between the toes then may spread along the base of the toes and soles of the feet.

What does it look like?
The rash of tinea pedis commonly has two forms. The moist and inflammatory type is red with areas of blisters, oozing, and scaling. The dry scaly type is slightly red with areas of scaling and thickening of the skin
 

How do I treat Athlete's Foot?

Keep the skin clean and dry. Wash thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area carefully and completely. Blow-drying the feet with a hair dryer removes excess water from the outer layers of skin and is more effective than drying with a towel. Wear clean socks and change socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep the feet dry. Topical over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams, such as those that contain miconazole or clotrimazole, may be used to control the infection.  These over-the-counter creams and sprays must be used to their full recommendation usually about 3-4 weeks.   

How do I prevent athlete's foot?

Good personal hygiene helps prevent and treat athlete’s foot. Antifungal or drying powders may be used as a preventive measure if a person is susceptible to athlete’s foot, or if exposed frequently to areas where athlete’s foot fungus is suspected (public showers, etc.).

Wearing sandals at a public shower or pool may help prevent athlete’s foot, but these measures have not been shown to be of definite benefit. Drying the feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming has been shown to be the best means to prevent the disorder.

Wool socks allow moisture to be drawn away from the feet. Change the socks as frequently as needed to keep feet dry and, at a minimum, on a daily basis. Shoes should be well ventilated and preferably of natural material such as leather. It may be helpful to alternate shoes daily, so each pair can dry completely.

Information taken form yahoo health, WebMd, UW selfcare.