 |
| ATHLETE'S FOOT |
|
|
| Technical Term: Fungus infection of the foot. Also known as Tinea Pedis. "Tinea" infection is caused by a fungus that grows on the skin. Tinea infections are usually named by the infected area. Such as "Pedis" meaning foot. |
| Fungus are organisms that hang out in damp skin between toes and on the bottom and sides of feet. These fungi can get around and possibly give you vaginal infection. |
|
| PREVENTION |
|
| Wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms. Wear cotton as often as you can. Wear cotton socks or all-cotton tights. You can also buy polypro socks and tights. Polypropylene and Capilene draw moisture away from the skin and release it into the air, keeping the feet dry more then cotton does. You can find these socks at any sporting goods stores. Change your socks. It's important to change your socks once a day. Otherwise, you re-expose your feet to trapped moisture and fungus. |
|
| TREATMENT |
|
| Tackle the feet. You can pick up athlete's foot in swimming pools, locker rooms and showers. Even in your own bathroom if a family member has it. White flakes, cracked and peeling skin and stubborn itch can drive you crazy. Here's what to do.... Powder up and dry out. Athlete's foot fungi can't survive without moisture, so the best thing that you can do is keep your feet desert dry. Apply over the counter medicated powder twice daily directly to your feet. The drier the better. Fungus infected feet may crack, peel and look dry. But you'll want to avoid using moisturizing creams or petroleum jelly on your feet, since these products trap moisture and can actually promote fungus. Wash socks with disinfectant. When doing your laundry add a capful of liquid lysol disinfectant to the final rinse in your sock load. Socks first, then underwear. If your feet are infected, pulling your undies on over your bare feet is a definate way to transfer fungus to your groin. If you must wear pantyhose 1) shield your feet with socks 2) pull on your panties 3) remove your socks 4) put on your hose |
|
| WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR |
|
|
| If your feet still itch and burn after 10 to 14 days of at-home treatment, see a podiatrist or family physician. |
 |
| This is a picture of Athlete's foot (Tinea Pedis). |
| RETURN TO HOME PAGE |