What It Is, How To Avoid It And Treating Athlete’s Foot
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
Fungi are organisms that survive by feeding off broken-down tissue, including that of humans.
In the case of Athlete’s Foot, it is caused by a particular group of fungi called dermatophytes. Your feet provide the ideal living conditions for these fungi to live and grow; warm, dark and humid – thus being found in areas such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
Dermatophytes cause infections in areas such as the nails, outer layers of the skin, scalp and hair. The main groups of fungi that cause fungal infections are:
• Dermatophytes (tinea)
• Yeasts (candida)
• Moulds
Treating athlete’s foot can be easy if you keep an eye out for the following symptoms.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot often begins as a rash, in the spaces between your fourth and fifth toes, and if left untreated, a rash may form on the bottom and sides of your feet. Furthermore; it can spread to the toenails, causing them to dry out and crumble – otherwise known as a fungal nail infection or ringworm of the nail.
Watch out for signs of red, dry, flaky –sometimes scaly – skin which can often feel itchy.
As well as a rash in between your toes, you may notice other more serious symptoms, such as:
– Cracked skin
– Blisters
– Swelling
– Burning/stinging sensation
Can it be avoided?
First of all, avoid those with it. When I say avoid, I don’t mean block their calls and change the locks – Athlete’s Foot is a contagious fungal infection, it can be spread through direct and indirect contact. For example:
Direct Contact
Skin-to-skin contact; someone may develop the infection if they touch your affected skin and do not wash their hands afterwards.
Indirect Contact
The fungi could be passed via contaminated towels, bed sheets and clothing.
Conclusion/Treatment
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, speak with your pharmacist or GP; treating athlete’s foot is quite straight forward, when you know what you’re dealing with.
About the Author: Maria Bantellis is a health writer on fungal conditions such as Treating Athlete’s Foot
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