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Back to: Foot
Problems & Conditions
Athlete's foot is a fungal
infection that usually appears between the toes, however the infection
can affect any part of the foot or toenail.
Athlete's foot can be caught from infected people
when walking on moist surfaces for e.g. swimming pools, shared bathrooms
or when sharing towels or footwear. The infection can also spread
to other parts of the body.
Athlete's foot derives from fungi
called Tinea Pedis that breed within small dark, moist areas; therefore
shoes are the ideal environment for reproducing bacteria. Athlete's
foot can also occur in hot, dry weather where the sun dries out
the skin, losing essential protective oils causing the foot to become
irritated by the shoe and more prone to infection.
- Itchy, burning, stinging sensation
- Red, cracked, peeling skin
- Occasional bleeding
- Small blisters
- Skin may become thicker and begin to gain a
scale-like quality
Further symptoms that suggest an additional infection of the nail
are:
- Changing nail colour to yellow or brown
- Thicker nails that are difficult to trim
- Unpleasant odour
- Appearance of white marks on the nail
- Bathe the foot at least once a day with soap
and warm water
- Only buy socks made from wool, cotton or a mixture
of the two
- Change socks on a regular basis
- Choose spacious footwear made from natural materials
such as leather
- Alternate shoes daily to allow them to dry out
- Assist the drying of shoes by removing insoles
and loosening laces
- Let feet breathe throughout the day
- Wear open-toe shoes when possible
- Wear sandals when walking on moist surfaces
- Don't share socks, footwear or towels
If Athlete's foot is caused by dry conditions try to restore moisture
with anti-fungal cream. Use disposable gloves or wash hands thoroughly
after applying the cream so as not to spread the infection.
If Athlete's foot is caused by moist
conditions wash feet in cold water and dab dry with a clean cloth.
Do not use moisturiser in this situation, but perhaps try an antiseptic
surgical spirit to evaporate any moisture and cool the foot.
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