Symptoms and Treatments for Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a widespread problem and finding a remedy for athlete’s foot that works for you is not always easy. The problem is caused by tinea pedis, a fungus that affects the skin’s top layer. Fungus This infection can affect any part of the body including hands, feet, the groin, the scalp and under the arms. It mostly grows in places that are moist, consequently in the groin area and between the toes are the usual places where fungus thrives.
Tinea pedis is a fungus related to ringworm and you can become infected anyplace there are moist situations such as swimming pools and locker rooms. These are likely places for it to lurk in waiting for a nice warm foot that is all ready to be infected! It is able exist for some time in clothing and socks and can be spread through infected objects such as the floor or directly between people. A swimming pool is an ideal place for this fungus to lurk as the area is warm and moist and people walk around with bare feet.
What are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?
Though some people may be infected and not notice any symptoms most people will find that they have burning and itching of the skin which might peel. For those who are severely infected there might be soreness, and the skin might crack. The usual body area for athlete’s foot symptoms to appear is underneath the foot where the skin may well be very dry, red and may peel. Peeling and dry flakes may also be present between the toes and the peeling often spreads to the top of the foot. In very severe athlete’s foot there could well be substantial blisters, when it is called bullous tinea pedis. There might also be red calluses or patches of very thick, red dry skin. The fungus can also affect the hand, in which case it is called tinea manuum.
Athlete’s Foot Prevention
Some reasonable methods to avoid infection by the fungus consist of daily washing the feet, drying the feet well especially between the toes, wearing shoes in public places and changing socks often.
Athlete’s Foot Cures
Athlete’s foot treatments include over-the-counter lotions and creams, but with very severe athlete’s foot you may need to see a doctor to give you some stronger medication. However curing most cases of this infection is reasonably uncomplicated and you could even use a natural cure if the condition is not too bad. Many of the home treatments include using bleach, vinegar or Epsom salts. OTC remedies generally include antifungal medications and can be purchased as creams, powders or sprays but they’re not always successful in particular if the fungus is under the nails.
In Conclusion
Athlete’s foot medications are not always successful and it can take some time to find an athlete’s foot medication that works for you. For more helpful information visit Athlete’s Foot Remedies
