Athlete's foot

From ArticleWorld

Bacteria and fungi exist naturally and quite happily on the human body and some of them even serve a useful purpose. Fungi are saprophytic organisms which get their nutrients from non-living organic matter and it is only when there are too many of them on our body that a problem such as Athlete's foot occurs.

Skin fungal infections are known as dermophytosis. Their source may be human, animal or they may originate from the soil. When the infection targets the toes, it is called tinea pedia, or athletes foot; when it targets the head it is known as tinea capitus; a fungal infection on an area of smooth skin is called tinea corporis and so on. The ideal conditions for fungal growth are the moisture traps created by folds of skin such as between the toes or fingers or under the arms. An infection of these areas is called an intertrigo.

The condition affects mostly teenage and adult males and is uncommon in women and children under twelve years of age.

Symptoms

Athlete's foot is characterized by scaling and itching and inconvenience turns to pain when the skin blisters and cracks, exposing raw tissue.

Causes

The fungal infection thrives in a dark, moist environment and, as it is persistent in the environment as well as being contagious, the disease can be passed on easily in communal areas. It also means that the condition may come back after treatment. People who wear shoes made of synthetic materials, those who have wet feet over a long period and those who sweat profusely are more likely to develop the condition.

Prevention of the condition consists of washing feet every day, drying them thoroughly and keeping them dry. Anti-fungal powders, creams and sprays are effective in treating the infection, but care must be taken to complete the treatment as the condition can easily recur.