A Medical Problem That Affects Many: Athlete's Foot

Because parents often encourage a child's particiaption in a team sport, doctors should not be surprised at the many cases of Athlete's foot. Also known as tinea pedis, that fungal infection causes the skin between the toes to burn and itch. However, the common name for that disorder leaves the fals impresssion that onluy athletes need to worry about developing that troublesome condition. In fact, it is estimated that the fungus which causes that infection can be found on the feet of 70% of the population.



The affected men and women display the characteristic sypmptoms; a combination of dry skin, itching, burning and redness of the feet. Victims of Athlete's foot suffer with those symptoms in a hard-to-treat region, namely the areas between the toes. That is where a victim's foot can start cracking and bleeding;it might even display patches of white skin.

The fungus that causes Athlete's foot exists in showers, but also in other places, such as on floors and in clothing. That fungal organism thrives in a warm, dark and humid environment. It spreads by direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The affected skin becomes sensitive to the effects of still more. though different,tiny organisms, bacteria. That organism often grows on the feet of diabetics or the elderly, those with an impaired immune system.

Basic Facts about Athlete's Foot

This form of dermatitis affects the area between the toes, along with the soles of the feet. It is a fungal infection, and can be spread from one person to another, by means of contaimiated surfaces. By using antifungal medications, a victim of this foot that disorder can put an end to the burning and itching. Then a re-appearance of those symptoms can be prevented by keeping the feet dry, and by wearing breathable cotton socks.

More about the Spread of Athlete's Foot

In addition to burning and itching, a weeping or oozing of the infected region can arise in a region that has been infected with the fungus that causes athlete's foot. The weeping and ozing allows a infectious liquid to get onto various surfaces. Any foot that then touches the infected surface could later demonstrate the symptoms that are associated with athlete's foot.

There are a number of different settings in which an infected foot might rub up against a surface that other feet are apt to touch. Gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, nail salons, airport security lines and any place where clothing gets shared represent the types of settings that can invite the spreading of this infection. Each such setting encourages the completion of an act that produces the same results as a person to person contact. When on the battlefield, members of the military often find themselves in the type of setting that leads to a spreading of that annoying infection.

What Are the Telltale Signs of Athlete's Foot?

Sometimes those who have made contact with the fungus that causes athlete's foot fail to develop any noticeable infections. Some of those men and women simply think that their skin has become exceedingly dry. However, those who note areas where there is cracking or bleeding, along with annoying pain can be prettey sure that their feet have developed the sypmtoms that are associated with athelete's foot.