Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a form of a fungal infection of the feet also known as tinea pedis.

Do not ignore athlete's foot because although it can be treated easily, it can also become resistant to treatment if ignored.

Athlete's foot is a common skin condition that many people develop through the course of their lives.

Athlete's foot occurs when moisture, sweating and lack of proper ventilation of the feet occur and when these symptoms are ignored. When moisture builds up over a period of time the feet can allow the fungus to grow causing what is commonly referred to as athlete's feet.

Athlete's foot is quite common in teenagers and adult males. It is believed that the reason that athlete's foot occurs more often in teenagers and adult males is because of the sheer amount of activity and the lack of allowing their feet to dry completely or their shoes to completely dry prior to placing the wet shoes back on their feet. The dark, damp, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for athlete's foot.

Athlete's foot can affect individuals differently. Common symptoms are scaling, peeling, cracking and itching between the toes, redness, scaling and blistering on the soles and along the sides of the feet. It can indeed be quite painful and of course terribly irritating for sufferers.

Fungus that occurs in athlete's foot grows best in moist, damp places. Think... tennis shoes, locker room showers, pool decks, etc. Sweaty feet from exercise, wet feet after swimming or bathing, tight socks and shoes and warm climate all contribute to athlete's feet. Also, if you have had a toenail infection and the infection has been difficult to treat, it is possible that the moisture from the infection can also cause athlete's feet.

It is important to wash and dry your feet every day, especially between your toes. If your shoes have become wet or even damp inside let them completely dry before putting them on because the moisture from the shoes can get into the feet setting up the perfect opportunity for the development of athlete's foot.

Athlete's foot is a treatable condition and seeking treatment from a dermatologist or podiatrist will confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor might scrape the skin from the side or bottom of the feet to examine more closely under the microscope to look for additional types of fungus. Once a final diagnosis has been made, your doctor will prescribe medication such as ointments and oral anti-fungal medications to best treat your case of athlete's foot.