Athlete’s Foot – Not Only for Athletes

Athlete’s foot is a painful and embarrassing condition that is easily spread. It is difficult to avoid, and even more difficult to get rid of once you have it. Here are some facts about athlete’s foot in order to help you deal with this troublesome issue.

What Exactly Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the foot. It is quite common, and it manifests on the skin of the foot it has infected. Scaling, itching and a red appearance are some of its symptoms. The entire foot can be infected, but in between the toes is an area that is especially prone to it.

How Is It Spread?

Athlete’s foot is transmitted by being exposed to the fungus through contact with infected skin, as well as coming into contact with traces of the fungus that may be on surfaces you touch.

Swimming pools and their locker rooms are notorious for the spread of athlete’s foot, and it is well known that being in this environment makes you susceptible to it. Contaminated items such as towels and clothing harbour the bacteria, and allow a perfect environment for it to spread to many individuals.

What Are the Symptoms?

The signs that you may have athlete’s foot include scaly, itchy red feet and lesions. Itchy blisters on the soles of the feet can also be a sign. Pain can be another symptom. If you are experiencing any of these, it is best to check it out thoroughly and confirm a diagnosis.

How Can You Get Rid of It?

If your athlete’s foot is getting out of control, you can go to the doctor for treatment. If you want to try to cure it at home, there are many remedies that a number of people swear by. One of them is using apple cider vinegar. Simply soak your feet in apple cider vinegar 10-30 minutes at least twice a day until the athlete’s foot clears up.

Tea tree oil is another popular remedy for athlete’s foot, and you can either soak your feet in a foot bath along with a few drops of the tea tree oil, or apply it directly to the athlete’s foot. You can apply a few drops directly to the skin of a small infected area, or else mix it in with organic virgin coconut oil and make it go further. The coconut oil has antifungal properties as well, which gives extra help to the remedy.

How Can You Prevent It?

Athlete’s foot thrives in moist, warm places. Because it is often spread in locker rooms and swimming pools, you can help prevent this unsightly condition by wearing flip flops when in either of these places. Always be sure to thoroughly dry your feet, especially in between toes after a bath or swimming.

Change your socks and shoes frequently and keep them clean and dry in between uses. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Athlete’s foot is no fun, and it is not an issue that is limited to athletes. No matter who you are, you are at risk for contracting this condition that can be hard to get rid of. Empower yourself with knowledge and get rid of athlete’s foot once and for all.