It smells bad. It's itchy. It's persistent. It's contagious. And it attacks the skin between the toes (usually the third and fourth). What is it? Fungus of the foot, better known as athlete's foot.
People usually get athlete's foot from walking barefoot over wet floors around swimming
pools, locker rooms, and public showers that are contaminated with the fungus, which
feasts on moisture. Athlete's foot has these signs and symptoms:
Moist, soft, red or gray-white scales on
the feet, especially between the toes
Cracked, peeling, dead skin areas
Itching
Sometimes small blisters on the feet
Do you have signs of athlete's foot and are you diabetic or do you
have poor leg circulation?  |
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| Do you have a fever and/or is the infection spreading or getting
worse despite self-treatment described below? |
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If you get athlete's foot:
Wash your feet twice a day,
especially between your toes, and dry the area thoroughly. Do not, however, use deodorant
soaps.
Apply an over-the-counter antifungal
powder, cream, or spray between your toes and inside of your socks and shoes.
Wear clean socks made of cotton or wool.
(Natural fibers absorb moisture.) Change your socks during the day to help your feet stay
dry. Wear shoes that provide some ventilation, like sandals or canvas loafers, whenever
you can.
Alternate shoes daily to let each pair air
out.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99