Athlete's+Foot



=Athlete's Foot= By: Kelsey Fender and Kelly Wright

Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection of the feet. Athlete's foot is the most common type of fungal tinea and it occurs in warm, moist areas. However, it will occasionally infect areas on the palms and between fingers. Some common causes for this skin disease are: wearing closed shoes, keeping your feet wet for a long period of time, sweating a lot, and infections from minor nail or skin injuries. Once a person comes into contact with athlete's foot they become contagious. If another person were to come in direct contact with the infected area, or items such as shoes, they will receive this fungal disease. Athlete's foot has several unpleasant symptoms. The typical symptoms include cracking, flaking, or peeling skin. However, more serious symptoms can arise, such as: red and itchy skin, burning or stinging pain, or blisters that ooze puss/get crusty. Furthermore, if the disease infects the nails, they can become discolored and even crumble. Luckily, athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, and antibiotics are only necessary if the infection is severe. These antifungal creams help control the infection and should be used for a couple weeks even after the infection is gone, just to make sure the fungus does not return. In addition to covering the infected area with a cream, hygienic precautions should be taken. Wearing clean socks and keeping the feet clean and dry are easy ways to cure athlete's foot. The most common misconception about this fungal disease is that only athletes can get athlete's foot. This is far from the truth; anyone with poor hygiene of the feet can obtain athlete's foot. Fortunately, to avoid athlete's foot, simple measures need to be taken. From drying your feet after bathing or swimming, to wearing shoes that are well ventilated and not lined with plastic, you will not have to worry about athlete's foot.

Picture 1) [] Picture 2) [] Website used for information: []