Athlete's foot is a fungal disease that affects the foot, particularly the area of the skin present between the toes where moisture is highly present. The fungus that causes athlete's foot almost always targets the feet due to the fact that feet are often enclosed in shoes. Shoes provide a warm, moist and dark environment - perfect fungus growing conditions.



In addition, public locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools are prime fungus breeding grounds. Thus, this is how the term “athlete's foot” came into play, because the fungal disease was common among athletes who frequently used the above mentioned facilities.

Who is prone to athlete's foot? Anyone can develop a case of athlete's foot if they don't take proper care to ensure the cleanliness of their feet. Those who have excessively sweaty feet and those who don't regularly change their socks are more prone to the condition than others. It is a fact that many people who develop athlete's foot already had a present case of the fungus on their skin prior to infection. All it takes is a crack or bruise to allow the fungus to enter into the skin.

The most common symptoms of athlete's foot include:

•Dry and itchy skin

•Scaly skin

•Inflammation

•Blisters

Blisters usually crack the skin and break. When blisters burst, small raw patches of tissue become exposed and cause pain and swelling in the infected area. If the infection is allowed to spread, symptoms of itching and burning will likely increase.

Athlete's foot can spread to the toenails and the soles of the feet. It can even spread to other parts of the body (especially the groin and underarms) if a person scratches the infected area and then touches other parts of their body.

Athlete's foot is contagious and can be passed to others through infected bed sheets, clothing, showers, pools, and directly touching the body.

Athlete's foot can be treated with out the assistance of a doctor if a person has a mild infection. A mild case of athlete's foot can be cured by keeping the affected area clean and dry. This means frequently bathing the feet and carefully cleaning between the toes. Washing should be followed by thoroughly drying in-between the toes. It also helps to frequently change socks and keep feet dry by dusting the inside of shoes with foot power.

Should a case of Athlete's foot worsen, or fail to go away after natural treatment, you should go to your doctor or podiatrist for help. Your doctor will be able to determine if your problem is fungus-related, or is the result of another condition such as an allergic reaction to shoe dye or adhesive, psoriasis or eczema. If athlete's foot is diagnosed, you will be prescribed topical or oral antifungal medications to clear it up.

Although you may not be able to stop your feet from coming into contact with athlete's foot, you can prevent an infection from occurring by following these tips - Note: these tips can also help you treat an infection

•Wash your feet every day with soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

•If you are using a public shower, wear shower shoes

•Use quality foot powder to decrease foot perspiration

•Wear light and well ventilated shoes

•Change shoes regularly

•Wear socks that help to keep your feet dry. A good material is cotton as it helps your feet breath.

•Change socks regularly, especially if you sweat excessively