• Also called tinea pedis

• Fungal infection, particularly prevalent beneath and between the toes, but can occur anywhere on the foot and can spread to the toenails

• Particular attention to prevention and prompt treatment should be paid by people with diabetes or immune disorders such as HIV as athlete's foot can lead to serious secondary infections or problems such as foot ulcers in these cases

What causes it?

• Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas such as the bathroom shower, carpet, locker room floors, and swimming pool change rooms and deck areas
• It enters the body through open cracks or sores; it remains there to cause infection and spreads if feet are not well washed and dried after exposure
• It can spread to other parts of the body

Signs and Symptoms

• Itching, dryness, redness, cracking of the skin, and blistering

Prevention and Treatments

• Thorough washing with soap and drying of feet will help prevent infection and re-infection
• Good cleaning and sanitization practices on surfaces prone to hold the fungus; this will help prevent infection and re-infection
• Wear protective shoes in public areas with high risk of holding the fungal spores such as public showers, swimming pools, locker rooms, hotel bathrooms and carpets, etc.
• Wear clean, dry shoes, socks, panty hose, etc.; remember that old footwear items must either be sanitized or discarded following an infection or re-infection may occur
• If infection occurs, see your Chiropodist for treatment such as an anti-fungal prescription

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