| WHAT IS ATHLETE'S FOOT? |
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| Athlete's foot is a common skin problem caused by a fungus. Usually beginning on the skin between the toes, the fungus infection becomes scaly and itchy. Over time it may cause a break in the skin and become sore. Another term for athlete's foot is tinea pedis. |
| HOW DOES IT OCCUR? |
| The fungus that causes athlete's foot is everywhere in the environment. It is commonly picked up from the floors of showers, locker rooms, and exercise facilities. The fungus is more likely to grow on sweaty, constantly wet or improperly dried feet (especially in shoes or socks with poor ventilation). |
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? |
| - itching |
| - cracking and peeling skin, usually between the last two toes |
| - soreness |
| - (occasionally) blisters |
| HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? |
| Your health care provider can usually diagnose athlete's foot after examining your skin. Sometimes he or she may swab or scrape off a skin sample to test for fungus. If your provider suspects that you may also have a bacterial infection, the skin sample may also be tested for bacteria. |
| HOW IS IT TREATED? |
| The infection may clear up without treatment, but most fungal infections are treated with medicine put directly on the skin. If the infection is severe or widespread, your provider may prescribe an oral medication. |
| HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS LAST? |
| The acute stage of the infection usually lasts 1 to 10 days. Chronic infection may persist for months or years. If a severe case of athlete's foot is not treated, it may develop into a serious bacterial infection. The infection may eventually affect the toenails, which are harder to treat. |
| - wear cotton socks when you exercise |
| - change your socks every day |
| - wear sandals or shoes with ventilation holes, or porous upper material, for example - a natural material like canvas or leather rather than a man-made material |
| - air out your shoes when you are not wearing them |
| - wear thongs or sandals when taking a shower in a locker room |
| - dry your feet very well, especially between the toes |
| - apply an antifungal powder on the affected area |
| - disinfect shower and locker room floors |
