Causes and Treatments for Athlete’s Foot

Posted on December 9, 2009
Filed Under skin care |

Athlete’s foot is a common infection and finding a cure for athlete’s foot that works for you isn’t always easy. The infection is caused by a fungus called tinea pedis which affects the skin’s topmost layer. Fungus is an infection that can affect any part of the body including the groin area, hands, feet, the armpits and the scalp. It commonly occurs in places that are moist, so between the toes and in the groin area are the usual places where fungus thrives.

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is related to ringworm and you can become infected wherever there are moist conditions such as swimming pools and changing rooms. These are possible areas for it to lie in wait ready for a moist foot to infect! It is able exist for some time in socks and other clothing and can be spread directly between people or through infected objects including the floor. A swimming pool is a perfect place for Tinea Pedis to thrive as it is moist and warm and people walk around with no socks or shoes on.

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms

Though a number of people may become infected and be symptomless the majority of people will discover that they have itching and burning skin which may peel. For those who are severely affected there could be pain, and the skin may crack and bleed. The typical area of the body to see athlete’s foot symptoms is on the sole of the foot where the skin may be very dry, red and may peel. Peeling, itching and dry flakes may also occur between the toes and the dryness often spreads to the top of the foot. In severe athlete’s foot there might be large blisters, in which case it is called bullous tinea pedis. There may also be red calluses or patches of very thick, red dry skin. The fungus can also affect the hand, in which case it is called tinea manuum.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention

Some easy ways to avoid infection by the fungus include regular washing of the feet, always drying the feet thoroughly, wearing shoes in public places and frequently changing your socks.

Athlete’s Foot Remedies

Athlete’s foot medicines include over-the-counter lotions, but with very severe infection you may need to see a doctor to give you some stronger medicine. However treating most cases of athlete’s foot is fairly uncomplicated and you can use a natural treatment if the condition isn’t too serious. Many home treatments include using Epsom salts, bleach or vinegar. Over-the-counter cures as a rule include antifungal medications and can be purchased as powders, creams or sprays but they’re not always effective in particular if the infection is beneath the nails.

Conclusion

Athlete’s foot treatments are not always successful and it can take quite a long time to find an athlete’s foot treatment that is successful for you. For more helpful information visit Athlete’s Foot Remedies

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