Athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot problems a person could encounter if they do not keep their feet clean. It happens when a fungus grows most commonly in between the toes and can spread to the other parts of the foot. It can inflame the skin and develop a white and scabbing rash on your feet. Athlete’s foot can also cause itching, soreness, burning and sometimes a slight smell .
Causes:
- Walking barefoot at showers, locker rooms, swimming pools
- Sharing socks and shoes with an infected person
- wearing shoes that are too tight
- Sweaty and having your feet wet for a long time
Symptoms:
- Itching and burning of the feet and in between your toes
- Dry skin on the feet and between your toes
- Discolored toenails
- peeling skin on your feet
Prevention:
- Washing your feet daily
- Keeping the feet dry and always changing your socks so there is no moist area for fungi to grow
- clipping your toenails short to prevent growing of fungus
- Avoid tight footing footwear and wear well ventilated socks so your feet can get some air into them.
- wearing sandals or thongs in communal areas such as bathrooms where the fungus can grow and get attached to your feet.
Treatment:
- Athletes foot will usually treat itself without any medication but you must not wear or use the same socks or nail clipper where the fungi may have latched onto.
- Wash your feet thoroughly once or twice per day
- Apply over the counter anti-fungal cream after you wash it.
- If the condition is not recovering you should see a podiatrist to get stronger medication.
Home remedies:
- You may soak your foot in salt water or diluted vinegar to dry up the blisters on your foot
- Tea tree oil can also be applied to infected areas
