- Extinguishing The Fire Of Athletes
Foot Pain
By Dave Wilson
- Athlete's foot is a fungal disease
that affects the foot, particularly the area of the skin present
between the toes where moisture is highly present. The fungus
that causes athlete's foot almost always targets the feet due
to the fact that feet are often enclosed in shoes. Shoes provide
a warm, moist and dark environment - perfect fungus growing conditions.
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In addition, public locker rooms,
showers, and swimming pools
are prime fungus breeding grounds. Thus, this is how the term
"athlete's foot" came into play, because the fungal
disease was
common among athletes who frequently used the above mentioned
facilities.
Who is prone to athlete's foot?
Anyone can develop a case of
athlete©s foot if they don't take proper care to ensure
the
cleanliness of their feet. Those who have excessively sweaty
feet and those who don't regularly change their socks are more
prone to the condition than others. It is a fact that many
people who develop athlete's foot already had a present case
of
the fungus on their skin prior to infection. All it takes is
a
crack or bruise to allow the fungus to enter into the skin.
The most common symptoms of athlete's
foot include:
- Dry and itchy skin
- Scaly skin
- Inflammation
- Blisters
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Blisters usually crack the skin
and break. When blisters burst, small raw patches of tissue
become exposed and cause painvand swelling in the infected area.
If the infection is allowed to spread, symptoms of itching and
burning will likely increase.
Athlete's foot can spread to
the toenails and the soles of the feet. It can even spread to
other parts of the body (especially the groin and underarms)
if a person scratches the infected area and then touches other
parts of their body.
Athlete's foot is contagious
and can be passed to others through infected bed sheets, clothing,
showers, pools, and directly touching the body.
Athlete's foot can be treated
with out the assistance of a doctor if a person has a mild infection.
A mild case of athlete's foot can be cured by keeping the affected
area clean and dry. This means frequently bathing the feet and
carefully cleaning between the toes. Washing should be followed
by thoroughly drying in-between the toes. It also helps to
frequently change socks and keep feet dry by dusting the inside
of shoes with foot power.
Should a case of Athlete's foot
worsen, or fail to go away after natural treatment, you should
go to your doctor or podiatrist for help. Your doctor will be
able to determine if your problem is fungus-related, or is the
result of another condition such as an allergic reaction to shoe
dye or adhesive, psoriasis or eczema. If athlete's foot is
diagnosed, you will be prescribed topical or oral antifungal
medications to clear it
up.
Although you may not be able
to stop your feet from coming into contact with athlete's foot,
you can prevent an infection from occurring by following these
tips - Note: these tips can also help you treat an infection
- Wash your feet every day with
soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the
toes.
- If you are using a public shower,
wear shower shoes
- Use quality foot powder to decrease
foot perspiration
- Wear light and well ventilated
shoes
- Change shoes regularly
- Wear socks that help to keep
your feet dry. A good material is cotton as it helps your feet
breath.
- Change socks regularly, especially
if you sweat excessively
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