Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a common and contagious dermatophytic fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itching of the affected areas. Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm and typically develops between our toes and occasionally on other parts of our feet.The fungus that causes athlete's foot is called Trichophyton, and is commonly found on floors and in clothing.
Athlete's foot fungus will not infect the skin if conditions are not right - it requires a warm and moist environment. It occurs most commonly in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. Try and remember to dry your feet properly after swimming, showering, or bathing. Do not wear tight shoes when your feet are sweaty. Do not wear the same pair of shoes or socks day after day.
Treatment is usually simple. For mild cases, your doctor may have you apply a powder that contains medicine or cream that kills fungus, which should make your feet feel better in a few days. Sometimes you'll need to use the medicine for up to a month to get rid of the athlete's foot completely.
Athlete's foot fungus will not infect the skin if conditions are not right - it requires a warm and moist environment. It occurs most commonly in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. Try and remember to dry your feet properly after swimming, showering, or bathing. Do not wear tight shoes when your feet are sweaty. Do not wear the same pair of shoes or socks day after day.
Treatment is usually simple. For mild cases, your doctor may have you apply a powder that contains medicine or cream that kills fungus, which should make your feet feel better in a few days. Sometimes you'll need to use the medicine for up to a month to get rid of the athlete's foot completely.