Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a very common fungal infection that is contagious and caught from changing room floors, especially damp ones. Some people are lucky enough to never catch it, but others catch it easily and can find it difficult to get rid of.

Causes:

• Walking barefoot in communal areas such as locker rooms and showers.
• Wearing damp socks or tight-fitting shoes.
• Warm, moist environments that promote fungal growth.

Symptoms:

• Itching, burning, and stinging between the toes.
• Red, scaly, and peeling skin.
• Blisters and sores.

There is itching between the toes and on the sole of the foot, and there are patches of white, scaly skin. Avoid scratching as this makes the skin of the affected area peel and crack.

Prevention:

• Keep feet dry and clean, especially between the toes.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them regularly.
• Use antifungal powder or spray in shoes.
• Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal areas

TREATMENT OF ATHLETE'S FOOT

Here are some home remedies for athlete’s foot that you can do at home.

• Apply over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders.
• Keep the affected area clean and dry.
• In severe cases, consult a healthcare provider for prescription medications
• Sit with your foot or feet in the fresh air, especially in the sun
• Wear just a pair of loose socks around the house with medicated foot powder sprinkled inside, but change them daily
• Shower or bathe the feet after any activity, even just mowing the lawn can make the feet sweaty and damp, making sure to dry them thoroughly afterwards, especially between the toes. Using a hair dryer is very good for drying between the toes
• Apply a foot powder to feet daily, especially between toes, and sprinkle a little powder into your socks and shoes, especially before playing any sport. If playing sport for 3 or 4 hours try and change your socks halfway through
• Avoid putting damp sweaty trainers on and make sure socks are clean every day
• Avoid walking bare foot in changing rooms.