Do you have that annoying itch on your feet and does it also smell bad? Be alert, it might be caused by Athlete’s Foot. Do not take it literally; you do not have to be an athlete to acquire Athlete’s foot. Well, this condition commonly exists in Athletes. Thus, it is called Athletes’ foot.
Athlete’s foot is also known as Tinea Pedis, it is a fungal infection that affects the skin. It usually infects the areas of feet, toenails, and hands. The fungus is called Trichophyton and it thrives well in moist and warm environments. It is quite contagious and there is a high possibility that you can acquire it by having a direct or indirect contact with the fungus.
These Habits Can Highly Put You at Risk
- Wearing unwashed socks
- Visiting public places often such as swimming pools or locker rooms
- Leaving the feet wet on a prolonged periods of time
- Sharing towels, socks, or stuffs to an infected person
- Close contact with an infected person
The Annoying Symptoms That May Manifest on Your Skin
- Itching, stinging, and burning sensations
- Blisters
- Cracking or peeling
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bad smelling Feet
How to Treat It
- Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, garlic, baking soda, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic
- Essential oils such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, oregano oil, and neem oil.
- Over-the-counter antifungal medications that you can easily purchase on pharmacies such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), terbinafine (Lamisil AT), miconazole (Desenex), and tolnaftate (Tinactin)
- Topical steroids, oral antibiotics, and high strength antifungal medications the prescription of a physician
Prevent Re-occurrence
Cure is possible for Athlete’s foot with the different remedies mentioned above. However, the disease might come back once you disregard your hygiene. Remember to avoid the things that could put you at risk, wear comfortable shoes or clothings, and never share your personal or grooming stuffs. Moreover, it is important to wash your body and feet thoroughly to prevent acquisition of this disease.
