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Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection involving the skin on the feet. Symptoms can include itching, inflamed areas between the toes and on the soles of the feet as well as moist reddened scales between the toes. Blisters may also be present and, if so, may cause added complications since broken blisters will expose raw areas. These areas may become more inflamed and irritated when wearing footwear and hosiery.
Athlete's foot is most often treated with over-the-counter topical antifungal creams, gels or powders. These topical treatments are successful in treating the majority of cases, with positive results commonly seen after a few weeks of consistent treatment. Although recurrence is common, care in keeping feet clean and dry while using topical treatments can reduce the frequency and intensity of infections. In more severe cases, where symptoms do not go away after weeks of following self-care and over-the-counter medications, a podiatrist should be contacted as soon as possible.
Using public showers, swimming pools and locker rooms, infrequent washing of feet and hot and humid weather can all be contributing factors to contracting this condition.
For preventive care, wash and dry feet daily and dust with an antifungal powder. Avoid hosiery made of synthetic materials and opt for those made with more absorbent fibers such as cotton, wool, etc. Special care should be taken when treating or touching an infected area with the hands. The athlete's foot fungus is easily transferred to other parts of the body by the hands and even by bed linen or clothing that have come in contact with the foot area.
One common self-treatment is to use a paste made of household baking soda and water on the affected area. Rinse and dry feet. Use a blow dryer rather than a towel to dry feet since this is a more thorough method. The blow dryer is also handy to completely dry perspiration from the inside of shoes.
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