What is Athlete’s Foot?

Despite the name, Athlete’s Foot can occur on anyone and is the result of a fungal infection on the skin. It is usually contracted on the feet as this area is exposed to areas such as showers, clothing and shoes.

Symptoms:

Athlete’s Foot can cause the skin around the infected area to become painful and sufferers may experience a burn or sting, especially when exposed to water. It is also common for the skin to blister or peel at the site of the infection.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot:

Athlete’s Foot is caused by exposure to an area or object where the fungus is living. This most commonly occurs when sharing footwear or in bathrooms where there is a warm, moist environment to keep the fungus alive.

How is Athlete’s Foot diagnosed?

Athlete’s Foot is usually identified on sight by a dermatologist, however in some cases if the cause of the infection is unsure, a skin test may be required.

How is it treated?

Treatment for Athlete’s Foot is simple and generally painless. If you have contracted Athlete’s Foot, self-care is the simplest way to treat it and usually involves applying an antifungal cream and ensuring the area is kept clean and dry.