Characterized by itching and burning sensation in the feet, athlete's foot can also result to skin peeling, cracking, and extreme pain along with bleeding or redness of the foot soles.

Athlete's foot usually occurs when the feet or other areas of the body stay moist and warm and eventually becomes irritated with fungus. This skin condition can also be acquired when a person has direct contact with the objects or persons infected by the fungus.

WHEN PREVENTION BECOMES THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION

Tinea pedis or athlete's foot is considered as a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. A skin infection in the foot caused by a fungus known as "trichophyton," athlete's foot can be a major skin condition if it's not treated and prevented early. It is best to visit a dermatologist or podiatrist to cure the problem before it gets worse.

If you are advised by the physician to use medication-either topical or oral-make sure that you educate yourself about the proper prevention of athlete's foot to keep it from being recurrent. These simple rules of good hygiene can keep you away from the persistent fungi that cause athlete's foot:

1. Bear in mind the importance of washing. Washing your feet with soap and water often and drying them properly-especially the toe webs-can eliminate the moist and warm areas where the fungus thrive.

2. Avoid wearing footwear such as shoes, socks, slippers, or foot towels owned by another person. To avoid the spread of infection, don't wear someone else's footwear especially if the person already suffers from athlete's foot.

3. Choose shoes that are made from natural materials such as leather. Whenever possible, don't wear footwear made from synthetic materials such as rubber shoes daily because it suffocates your feet. Wear footwear that allows air circulation.

4. Keep your footwear properly ventilated by exposing it to air for at least a day before using it again.

5. Opt for open-toe shoes or sandals especially during warm or humid weather. Tight footwear is one of the major causes of athlete's foot so make sure that you allow your feet to breathe.

6. Wear rubber sandals or water shoes when using public showers or locker rooms to avoid being infected with the fungus.

7. Be meticulous about your socks. Make sure that you always wear clean and dry socks. If possible, choose white socks that are made out of cotton or acrylic so it can absorb extra moisture from your feet. If you're prone to sweating, make sure that you bring along spare pairs of clean socks so you can change you're your feet are soaked. Don't wear colored to avoid irritation caused by the dyes.

8. Use your shoes alternately. Whenever possible, avoid wearing the same pair daily especially if you work out in a gym.

9. Use anti-fungal foot products such as powders and sprays to absorb extra sweat in your feet. These can also help eliminate the fungus and bacteria in your feet.

10. Keep your bathroom and shower floors always clean and disinfected.