Understanding and Prevention of Athlete's Foot

What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot strikes non-athletes and athletes alike, and is the most common fungal skin infection in the world, affecting an estimated 70 percent of all humans at some point their lives.
Known by its medical name as tinea pedis this contagious condition often begins with mild discomfort and itching between the toes. As the infection progresses, however, it is characterized by cracking, blistering and peeling of the skin, and itching and burning may become increasingly severe.
Without proper treatment, it can spread to the soles and sides of your feet, and even to other parts of the body. Moreover, when left unchecked it can be passed on to others or lead to even more serious skin problems.
Fortunately today, high effective medical therapy is available from your doctor that can eradicate the cause of the infection, and important measures can be taken to prevent its recurrence. This booklet will help you better understand the causes of athlete's foot, how it is effectively treated and how to avoid it in the future.
Who gets it?
Although the name was popularized years ago because of its high incidence in athletes, in reality the condition affects all segments of the population and may be contracted virtually anywhere. It occurs more often in teen-age and adult males, although women and children may be just as susceptible. People with a weakened immune system from diabetes or HIV/AIDS are especially vulnerable to the infection.
Because the fungi that cause athlete's foot thrive in warm, moist conditions, the risk for developing athlete's foot increases if you:
 Wear closed shoes, especially if they are vinyl, rubber or plastic-lined
 Live in warm, humid conditions
 Perspire a great deal
 Keep your feet wet for prolonged periods of time
 Develop a minor skin or nail injury on your foot, giving the fungi an opportunity to cause an infection
What are the symptoms?
Athlete's foot may initially be very mild and without discomfort. As the infection becomes increasingly severe, however, the signs and symptoms may include:
 Cracked, peeling and blistered skin, especially in the webbing between the toes
 Redness and scaling on the soles of the feet
 Intense itching and burning
 Swelling and blisters that ooze, crust or sting
What causes athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is caused by a group of mold like fungi called dermatophytes, which multiply and may lead to infection when placed in a warm, moist environment.
The dermatophytes infect the superficial layer of the skin, prompting the bottom layer of the skin to produce more skin cells than usual. As these cells push to the surface, the skin becomes thick and scaly, and burning and itching often occur. Blisters may also form, leading to cracks and tenderness. When the blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling.
How do you get it?
Athlete's foot is contagious, as the fungus is very hardy and can survive on both dry and wet surfaces. These may include floors, mats, rugs, carpeting, bed linens, clothes, shoes and other surfaces. Person-to-person contact is another means of transmission, and even household pets can pass along fungal infections, although not everyone who carries the fungus develops the signs and symptoms of athlete's foot.
While transmission often takes place within a household, the infection is frequently passed along in public areas - locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools and showers. Regardless of where it is acquired, however, the infection is especially common among those whose lifestyle alternates between bare feet and the moist enclosed environment of shoes and socks.
How is it treated?
Without effective treatment and preventative measures, athlete's foot tends to recur or progress as a chronic source of discomfort, as well as a potential source of infection to others. If you suspect you may have athlete's foot, check with your podiatrist, who can diagnose the condition and prescribe proper treatment.
Once your doctor has determined that you have athlete's foot, he or she may prescribe an efficacious and well-tolerated antifungal medication. In more severe cases, your podiatrist may also prescribe foot soaks before applying antifungal cream, or an oral antifungal medication.
How to prevent athlete's foot?
If you are at risk for athlete's foot, it is important to take steps to avoid becoming infected because athlete's foot is so prevalent and contagious. Here are some key protective measures to minimize the chances of developing the condition:
 What your feet daily. By keeping your feet clean, you give the fungi less opportunity to grow
 Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes
 Change your socks at least once a day, and alternate pairs of shoes to allow them time to air out completely between wearings.
 Go with natural materials. Cotton socks are best, as synthetic fabrics tend to trap sweat and dampness next to your skin, and leather shoes will allow your feet to breathe.
 Avoid wearing tight footwear, especially in the summer. Sandals are the best footwear for warm, humid weather.
 Do not go barefoot, especially in public places. Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal showers, pools, fitness center and other public areas.
 Clean bathroom mats and floors regularly.
 Never scratch the affected area. This might cause the infection to spread.