Athlete’s Foot
There is more than one variation of athlete’s foot. In fact, athlete’s foot is the term used for any kind of inflammatory disease affecting the skin between the toes and soles of the foot. Sometimes, athlete’s foot is scaly, red, weeping, or comes with oozing blisters. It can also be fungal, but the exact cause can only be distinguished through testing.
Fungal athlete’s foot is called tinea pedis, and it refers to the fungus that affects the foot. The fungus can be picked up in damp locations, such as gyms, swimming pools, communal showers, salons, locker rooms, and shoes and socks that have been contaminated with the fungi. Person-to-person contact can also spread athlete’s foot. That said, most people acquire athlete’s foot from walking around barefoot somewhere another person carrying tinea pedis has been.
Many people who have athlete’s foot develop little to no symptoms. They won’t even know they have an infection. Others just get dry skin on the soles of the foot, which is common for most people, even those with no foot problems. More severe athlete’s foot will result in itching, burning, fissuring, cracking, and blistering.
To avoid getting athlete’s foot, it is recommended to wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes; for those who perspire excessively from their feet, the use of antiperspirants can help keep the feet dry.
Fungal infections are usually treated with topical anti-fungal creams. If athlete’s foot isn’t caused by fungus, then other treatments will be suggested, but you won’t know the cause until you make an appointment with your doctor.
