Athlete’s Foot Symptoms, Treatment and General Advice
Caused by microscopic fungi, athlete’s foot can be caught in warm, damp environments such as changing rooms, showers, swimming pools and gyms.
Considering that you’re often barefoot around these areas, it’s very easy to contract athlete’s foot.
The infection can even be contracted by simply coming into contact with the infected skin of others – directly or indirectly when sharing towels, bed sheets or socks.
Whilst athlete’s foot can be easily treated, due to it being on your feet – often warm, slightly damp areas, it’s very easy for the fungi to grow. Once present, the fungus feeds off keratin – a protein found in nails, skin and hair.
Athlete’s foot symptoms
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
– Blistering
– Swelling
– Burning/stinging sensation
How To Treat Athlete’s Foot
As mentioned above, athlete’s foot is easily treatable but is highly contagious. In addition you may want to take preventative measures to avoid a future infection or prolonging your present one.
For example, if you scratch the infected skin then touch other parts of your body –you may spread the infection. Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching the rash and surrounding area.
Treating athlete’s foot should be quite straightforward and before long, the worst symptoms such as itching and soreness should disappear. Despite this, it is very important that you complete the course of treatment to clear the infection.
Furthermore, try avoiding contact with those with it. Skin to skin contact is a prime situation for the infection to spread from one person to another.
Also, avoid indirect contact – yes, you needn’t even be near that person to spread the infection – avoid sharing towels, bed sheets and clothing.
About the Author: Maria Bantellis is a health writer on fungal conditions covering topics such as Athlete’s Foot symptoms
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