Athlete's foot is a fungal infection, medically called tinea pedis. If the fungus takes hold between your toes, it can cause itchiness, cracking and peeling.
The Adam Encyclopedia offers these suggestions to help protect your feet from athlete's foot:
- Dry your feet completely after getting out of the bath, shower or pool.
- Slip on a pair of sandals or flip-flops when walking at public pools or showers.
- Swap sweaty socks for a clean dry pair at least once daily.
- If you tend to get athlete's foot, use an antifungal or drying powder.
- Choose shoes made of natural material (such as leather) that offers good ventilation. Avoid shoes with plastic lining.
- Don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row, so the shoes can air out.
Health Tip: Kick Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot fungus makes the feet itchy, red, cracked and flaky. Fortunately, treatment usually is effective, although the infection is prone to returning.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests these treatment options for athlete's foot:
- Use an over-the-counter antifungal cream or powder.
- Look for antifungals that include the ingredients tolnaftate, clotrimazole or miconazole.
- Keep using the antifungal medication for a week or two after symptoms subside.
- Thoroughly wash and dry your feet and toes.
- Wear clean cotton socks, and change them often.
- Keep feet dry at all times.
- See your doctor if symptoms don't improve within about four weeks.
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