Athlete's foot is
a popular term for the fungus infection
tinea, which commonly occurs between the
toes. The medical term is tinea pedis. The
fungus is encouraged by hot, sweaty conditions.
Once you get it, it tends to be persistent,
but it will almost always respond to treatment
with a suitable antifungal preparation.
Symptoms
Tinea pedis affects
the areas between the toes, usually starting
between the third and fourth toes and spreading
to the other spaces. It causes itching and
an appearance of moist, white, blotting-paper
skin.
Causes
Athlete's foot is
caused by one of a range of fungi that live
by eating skin cells from the outer dead
skin layer, the epidermis.
Treatment
Tinea is best treated
with local applications of the imidazole
group of drugs in cream preparations, such
as sulconazole, miconazole, ketoconazole
and clotrimazole.Tinea of the nails requires
you to take an antifungal drug (usually
terbinafine) by mouth.
Prevention
The best way
to prevent athlete's foot is to have
a good daily foot care routine:
- Wash your feet
every day
- Dry them carefully
and powder them
- Wear clean socks
or tights every day
- Try to avoid damp
areas used by other barefoot people (eg
changing rooms, swimming baths)
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Athlete's Foot
