ATHLETE`S FOOT

"Athlete's foot", also known as “tinea pedis”, is a common fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which grow and multiply in warm and humid environments.

The fungal infection most often affects the area between the toes, but can also affect the feet, heels, the tops of feet, and even spread to the toenails and other parts of the body.

The fungus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces in swimming pools, gyms, saunas, public showers, locker rooms, etc. This is where the name of this condition comes from, as athletes spend a lot of time in various gyms and are more prone to infection.

Risk factors

Athlete's foot affects everyone, but men are more likely to get it than women. Other risk factors include:

• Age - over 60
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Obesity
• Wearing tight shoes
• Wearing damp socks
• Excessive sweating of the feet
• Sharing towels and other personal items
• Walking barefoot in areas where the infection can spread
• A break in the skin or toenails

Symptoms

Symptoms of athlete's foot include: 

• Cracked skin between the toes, soles of the feet, and/or heels
• Itching of the toes and feet
• Burning sensation
• Skin rash
• Redness and peeling of the soles of the feet
• Blistering
• A foul odor

Diagnosing Athlete's Foot

A diagnosis of "athlete's foot" is usually made through a physical examination by your doctor. To confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions (such as dermatitis), your doctor may take a skin sample from the affected area for testing in a laboratory.

Treatment

Treatment includes antifungal medicines in the form of cream, ointment, gel, powder or spray, which can be bought from the pharmacy and without a prescription. If topical treatments are not effective, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications in tablet form.

How to prevent Athlete’s foot

Improving your personal hygiene can help prevent you from getting a fungal infection. Specifically, you can try the following:

• Washing your feet daily with soap and drying them thoroughly, especially between your toes.
• Using an antifungal powder as a preventative measure when visiting places where the infection can spread (showers, saunas, gyms, etc.).

Wear clean, dry socks. MediVaric’s copper yarn socks are great for athlete’s foot because copper has antibacterial, antifungal, and regenerative properties, helping to prevent and eliminate fungi and bacteria  on your feet.

(Learn about the benefits of copper yarn)

• Wear light, comfortable, and well-ventilated shoes.
• Wear a different pair of shoes every day (if possible). This gives your shoes time to dry out after each wear.
• Do not walk barefoot in public places.
• Do not share personal items (towels, socks, shoes, etc.).