athletes foot facts

Athletes foot - also known as tinea pedis; is a generally harmless, common and persistent infection of the foot, caused by the microscopic ringworm fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. However, without proper growing conditions the fungus will not infect the skin; they thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, stockings, and the floors of public showers, changing rooms and swimming pools. Up to 70% of the population will have athletes foot at some time during their lives; it is transmitted through contact with a cut or abrasion on the bottom of the foot. In rare cases, the fungus is transmitted from infected animals to humans, but not all fungus conditions are those of athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic the condition. Athletes foot is most common in men from the teens to the early 50s usually brought on by personal hygiene and daily activities. The foot will initially itch, but often it is accompanied by a burning sensation and scaling. Keeping the feet dry by using cotton socks and breathable shoes can help prevent the infection. It is vital to rule out other similar symptoms, for example, hot, tight shoes may make the feet sweaty in warm weather; the moisture and friction may cause softening and peeling of the skin on the soles. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings is used to determine the type of fungus causing the problem and to rule out bacterial infection. Other tests include growing a fungal culture from skin scrapings and examining the patient's foot under an ultraviolet light. It is important to remember that athletes foot doesn’t just affect athletes!