Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot. It is common and tends to affect males more than females. It usually occurs between the toes and can cause flaky and itchy skin. Sometimes blisters and cracked skin can occur, which can be painful.

It is easy to catch Athlete’s foot in warm damp places such as changing rooms and showers at gyms. It is not serious but can make your feet sore.

It can spread to other parts of the body, and it may spread to your toenails and fingernails as well.

Prevention

Hygiene plays an important role in preventing infection. Since the fungus thrives in moist environments it is important to keep feet and footwear as dry as possible.

•    Dry feet well after showering, paying particular attention to the web space between the toes.
•    Avoid sharing footwear and towels.
•    Change socks and shoes after exercise
•    Wear open toed shoes or cotton socks at home
•    Wear cotton socks to reduce sweat
•    Replace old trainers and gym shoes.

Treatment

Several studies have shown that good foot hygiene can cure Athlete’s foot in about a third of cases.

There are many over the counter preparations, which you can purchase from the pharmacist such as Daktacort. Please discuss with the chemist.

For resistant cases that don’t respond to over the counter treatments please discuss with your doctor.


Source: www.patient.co.uk