Ringworm Athlete’s Foot

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis, in medical terms, is a fungal infection of the skin.    Although in most circumstances the condition usually affects the feet, it can spread to other areas of the body.  This infection shows such symptoms as scaling, flaking, and itching of areas infected.  Athlete’s foot appears between the toes as a scaly, itchy rash. It can range from a mild irritation to cracking and peeling, making the skin very sore and more prone to bacterial infection.

Watch the warm moist areas of the body because the fungi that cause ringworm tend to grow there.  Areas that are frequently moist from perspiration and skin folds that stay damp are especially vulnerable.  Good examples are the feet, the groin or the scalp.  That is why Athlete’s Foot is so commonplace and tends to affect more often than not, athletes.

Wearing 100% cotton socks is a good start to preventing Ringworm Athlete’s foot infection. Change your socks when they are damp or if your feet get wet.  Clean, dry socks should be worn every day. Over-the-counter antifungal foot powder can be used inside your socks to help with keeping your feet dry. It is important that skin is kept clean and dry. Infection is less likely if a person follows the tips suggested below:

* Take your shoes off and expose your feet to the air when at home.
* Change your socks and underwear every day, especially in warm weather.
* Dry your feet and especially between the toes after using a locker room or public shower.
* Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Wearing some type of shower shoes are recommended.
* Don’t wear thick clothing in warm weather. Sweating is more likely and will promote fungal infections.
* Get rid of worn-out exercise shoes. Never borrow other people’s shoes.
* Don’t share towels or clothing.
* Check your pets for areas of hair loss. Find out whether they’re causing your fungal infection.
* Clean shared exercise equipment before use.

Fungi that cause Athlete’s foot grow best in steamy locker rooms filled with damp towels, sweaty workout clothes, and wet floors.  Using public showers and locker rooms will up the chances of a person getting Ringworm Athlete’s foot.  Athlete’s foot usually is not serious but can be extremely annoying, Secondary complications may develop as such things as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers.  Coming down with a secondary bacterial infection that can sometimes accompany the fungal infection is something to keep an eye out for and be concerned about.