Athletes Foot

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.

Causes:

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.

Symptoms:

• 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.

Prevention & Treatment:

• 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.