Tinea pedis, or Athlete’s foot, is caused by a fungus that usually appears between the toes. This skin infection occurs on your feet due to the warm, humid and dark environment that provides the perfect conditions for the fungus.
The name of the condition is due to the fact that it is prevalent in athletes who spend a good deal of time in and around locker rooms, showers and swimming pools where the fungus likes to live.
Athlete’s foot causes itching and burning sensations, and can easily be spread to other parts of the body.
For example, if you have Athlete’s foot and you scratch it, and then touch another part of your body without washing your hands first, the fungus can spread.
The most common places for the Athlete’s foot fungus to spread to are the underarms and the groin, as both have the right environment for it to thrive. It can spread from one person to another this same way.
The best way to prevent Athlete’s foot is by not giving the fungus the right type of environment to grow in. This involves following proper methods of hygiene, and keeping your feet dry and clean.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ATHLETE’S FOOT?
The main signs of Athlete’s foot include scaly and dry skin, itching and burning sensations on your feet, blisters and inflammation (swelling).
If you allow the Athlete’s foot fungus to grow without treatment, the infected parts of your skin may begin to crack and bleed. You may notice a very bad odor as well, which mainly occurs when other types of bacteria invade your dry, cracked and blistered skin.
However, this bacterial invasion is more likely to occur in people with other medical conditions, for example, those with diabetes, impaired immune systems, and chronic leg swelling, as well as the elderly and people who have had portions of their veins removed for various reasons.
If you think that you have Athlete’s foot, call Dr. Price in order to receive a proper skin care regimen to treat the fungus.