Contrary to popular belief, athlete's foot or tinea pedis (ringworm of the feet) doesn't affect athletes alone nor has it anything to do with athletes. This annoying and embarrassing skin disease that causes redness, cracking and scaling is the result of a fungus that thrives in hot, dark and moist environments. While it is believed to be present in public showers and locker rooms, the fungus that causes athlete's foot may, in fact, be found in your bathroom and shoes all the time.

"There's no good way to avoid exposure to the athlete's foot fungus because it's everywhere where there's moisture," according to Dr. Frank Parker, professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at Oregon Sciences University in Portland.

"So relax and forget about trying to scrub all the fungus from your life. It's everywhere, and you're not going to avoid it no matter how much you scrub and clean," added the editors of Consumer Guide's "The Home Remedies Handbook."

In reality, most people harbor the fungus on their skin. The body's bacteria normally prevent the fungus from multiplying but bad genetics and exposure to moisture may trigger its growth. Certain health conditions such as eczema, asthma and hay fever may make you more susceptible to the disease.

To prevent athlete's foot from ruining your life, step away from moisture, wash and dry your feet regularly, and wear comfortable shoes or open-toed sandals whenever you can. When you're in a public place that's likely to harbor the fungus like the locker room of your favorite gym, wear rubber slippers or thongs to minimize your exposure to the fungus.

If the fungus affects your nails, you have onychomycosis or a fungal nail infection. This causes your nails to become thickened, brittle, distorted and dull. Over time, the disease can permanently damage the nail and spread to other parts of the body. When that happens, use Somasin AFS, the safe and natural alternative for stubborn nail infections. Somasin's dual action system targets the heart of the infection and will give you healthy, beautiful nails in just seven days! Check out for more information.