Athletes' Foot
Athletes' Foot is thus named because athletic shoes are more prone to be sweaty, damp and warm, which are all environments that fungus love to live. Athletes' foot, known as Tinea Pedis (Tinea=Fungus and Pedis=Foot), occurs most commonly in the dark, damp, and warm areas of your body. The fungus usually begins to grow between the toes, but can spread to include the entire foot. Athletes' Foot can be contracted from showers, swimming pools and locker rooms, so it is always advised to carry an extra pair of shower shoes with you to these places.
Symptoms of Athletes' Foot:
- Dry Skin
- Itchy
- Skin maybe scaly or flake off
- Severe cases have painful inflammation of blister formation
Treatment of Athletes' Foot:
- Prevention by not walking barefoot and keeping socks and shoes dry
- Over the counter antifungals or fungicides could be effective in minor cases
- Prescription antifungal topical creams
- In severe cases, an oral anti-fungal could be prescribed by your podiatrist