Athlete's Foot - Treatment and Symptoms

Athlete's foot is a skin disease which is caused due to fungal infection of the feet, which is otherwise known as tinea pedis.Fungus is a plant-like microorganism which are too small to be seen by the naked eye. This fungus eats old skin cells. And plenty of them can be found on the feet it usually occurrs between the toes.The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.

The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers. The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became popular. Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot.

What are the symptoms of Athlete's Foot ?

• Bumps on the feet
• Cracked, blistered, or peeling areas, often between the toes
• Redness and scaling on the soles of the feet
• Skin between the toes may look "cheesy" and have an unpleasant odor
• A rash that spreads to the instep (inside part of the foot)
• Raw skin from scratching (try not to scratch!)
• Athlete's foot causes a flaky, sometimes itchy, and sometimes red rash between the toes and over the rest of the nearby foot.

Treatment of Athlete's Foot

1) creams, powders, and sprays available, which can mostly be bought over the counter

2) Chemical treatments such as imidazoles, eg miconazole, clotrimazole and Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)

3)If your fungal infection is severe or doesn't respond to topical medicine, your doctor may give you a prescription oral medication. Oral medications include:

• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic if you have an accompanying bacterial infection. In addition, your doctor may recommend.

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