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
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.
