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Athletes Foot Treatment

January 12th, 2006

Treatment for Athletes Foot

What is Athletes Foot?

Fungal infection on the foot – most often between the toes is known as athletes foot.

The condition can occur in anyone at any age – it is not restricted to athletes or sportsmen. Other conditions can cause dermatitis on the foot – including allergic reactions to the materials in the socks or shoes. Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can also be seen on the foot. If you are in doubt about the diagnosis of your foot rash then please consult your doctor.

Fungal infections thrive in warm and moist areas of the body – sweating, socks and training shoes create this ideal environment for fungal growth – leading to the athletes foot infection that many of us experience from time to time.

Itch is the main symptom of athletes foot. The skin around the athletes foot area often becomes dry, red, cracked or peeling.

Athlete’s foot can spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails.

Some sufferers also develop fungal rashes in the groins or under the arms.

Prevention of Athletes Foot

• take care in swimming areas and communal dressing rooms
• wear “flip-flops” or sports sandals
• reduce sweat by using talc
• change socks every day and try to leave the feet open to the air for a part of every day
• wash your feet every day and dry well between the toes

Treatment of Athletes Foot

• over the counter powders and creams may help but are often not fully effective
• your doctor may prescribe creams or ointments containing a mixture of an antifungal drug and a mild steroid to lessen the itch and promote skin healing
• sometimes antifungal tablets are needed in severe cases
• sometimes both bacterial and fungal infections can occur at the same time in the feet – you might need a combination of an antibiotic and antifungal treatment to get your athletes foot to clear up

Related Articles

Medline Plus on Athletes Foot
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Entry Filed under: Skin Treatment