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Athletes Foot

Athlete's Foot Prevention and Treatment

The most common foot skin ailment is athlete's foot or tinea pedis. It is an especially common problem among runners, other athletes, and those who walk or stand on their feet all day. In fact, ninety-five percent of adults have fungal involvement of their toe web spaces though ninety-five percent of these show no symptoms or are asymptomatic.

The mildest form of tinea pedis (Tricophyton mentagryphytes) is primarily a fungus found between your toes. Acute forms and more symptomatic infection is more likely bacterial or a combination of bacteria and fungus. With treatment most infections clear in two to four weeks, but can take up to three or four months.

Other forms (T. rebrum) can lead to fissure formation or skin cracking. The infected area looks scaly and whitish with associated pain, itch or odor. Other infections can show cracking, ulceration of the skin, itching and odor. Redness, swelling and pain come with severe infections. The more deep seated infections have symptoms of persistent itching (pruritic).

A third variety of fungus infection can appear of the areas of the sole and heel or even the palm of the hand. It appears as patchy, thickened, dry, scaly skin on non-inflamed areas. Fungal skin infections may also occasionally involve the toenails. Infections of the sole or the existence of fungal nail infections are quite resistant to treatment and medical evaluation and usually require prescription medication. Treatment should be sought early.

Prevention is the key. Steps to prevent and treat fungal infections are as follows:

* Keep your feet as dry as possible, especially after showers.
* Wear absorbent socks. Cotton is better than wool or synthetic fibers.
* Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe, namely leather or sandals.
* Do not use talc powder on your toes. It is an irritant and combines with moisture to actually promote fungal growth.
* Use shower clogs and avoid standing barefoot on public floors to avoid contamination or secondary infection.
* If you have itching or cracking between toes apply antifungal creams to the infected area twice a day. Continue treatment after the area clears up, normally a week or two, for up to thirty days total treatment. If the area does not begin to respond after seven to ten days you should seek professional advice.
* Infections on the sole or toenail or those that are swelling, seeping, oozing, or have pustules require stronger medication and should be treated professionally.
* If you are a diabetic, any infection should be seen by a doctor on an emergency basis and requires appropriate medical treatment and close monitoring

This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Foot Menders will not answer medical questions via email. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.