Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot medically known as tinea pedis is a rather nasty fungal infection of the skin that can cause flaking, scaling, and causes a nagging itch in affected areas. It is usually transmitted in warm, most areas such as showers or spas where people walk about without shoes or protection for their feet. While the athlete’s foot typically affects the feet it can spread to other areas of the body. Another place the fungus likes to attack is the groin.
Athlete’s foot can be prevented by always wearing some type of foot protection in common areas of showers, baths or spas and by over all good hygiene which includes a daily foot cleaning.
When athlete’s foot is contracted there will be a reddening of the skin which might also peel, begin to scale, crack or even bleed. Due to the inflammation and irritation of the skin there’s a risk of secondary bacterial infection.
There are over the counter creams and ointments, which can help. Fungal creams should have topical antifungal agents such as miconazole nitrate, or tolnaftate.
To prevent spreading the infection dry the feet after showering carefully and remember to get the spaces between the toes. Try to prevent sweating by wearing open toed shoes or lightweight mesh running shoes. Cotton socks help to keep the feet from sweating.
Use foot power to reduce the moisture in the shoes or socks. Try to alternate between different pairs of shoes every day to keep from wearing a pair still moist from sweat. Replace sole inserts on a daily basis.
To help prevent athlete’s foot from spreading to other areas of the body keeps socks in a drawer by themselves. After working out use an antifungal soap.
If creams for athlete’s foot don’t work seeing a doctor is a good idea. A doctor can prescribe stronger medication. A stronger concentration of antifungal agents can be prescribed and a doctor can detect if a secondary infection is part of the problem. If a secondary infection is present a doctor will prescribe an antibacterial topical or oral agent. If no other problem than athlete’s foot exists than a doctor can prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication as well.