Athlete's Foot - Some Tips to Help You Cope

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The infection known as athlete's foot is very common and, although there are many treatments on the market, finding an athlete's foot cure that works for you may not be easy. The fungus that is the cause of athlete's foot is called tinea pedis and infects the top layer of the skin. It usually affects moist, warm areas of the body such as the groin, the soles of the feet and between the toes and in the armpits.

This fungus is related to ringworm and can be picked up wherever there are moist conditions such as locker rooms and swimming pools. These are likely places for it to wait for a moist foot that is all ready to be infected! It is able exist for quite some time in clothing and socks and can pass directly between people or through infected objects including the floor. The swimming pool is the perfect place for Tinea Pedis to thrive as the area is warm and moist and is a place where people walk around with bare feet.

What are the Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?

Although a number of people may be affected and not notice any symptoms most people will find that they have itching and burning of the skin which might peel. For those severely affected there could be tenderness, and the skin may crack. The typical place to see symptoms of athlete's foot is underneath the foot where the skin may be red, very dry and may peel. Peeling, itching and dry flakes can also be present between the toes and the flaking may spread to the top of the feet. In very severe cases there may be substantial blisters, in which case it is called bullous tinea pedis. There could also be thick red patches of skin and red calluses. The fungus can also spread to the hand, when it is called tinea manuum.

Athlete's Foot Prevention

Some easy methods to avoid being infected by athlete's foot include regular washing of the feet, always drying the feet thoroughly, wearing shoes in public places and changing your socks frequently.

Athlete's Foot Treatments

Athlete's foot treatments include OTC lotions, but if you have very severe athlete's foot you will need to see a doctor to prescribe some stronger medication. However curing most cases of athlete's foot is reasonably easy and you could use a natural treatment if the infection isn't too bad. Some of the home remedies include using Epsom salts, bleach or vinegar. Over-the-counter treatments typically include antifungal treatments and can be purchased as sprays, powders or creams but they're not always effective particularly if the fungus is beneath the nails.

In Conclusion

It may take some time and experimentation with different athlete's foot cures before you find lasting relief. Careful hygiene in the affected areas will help enormously and following the tips here can help you to prevent reinfection by this annoying fungus.