Athlete's foot

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), July 31, 2006

Athlete's foot is a common skin infection affecting about one in seven people at any one time. It is caused by fungi which can live on the skin without doing any harm. However, if conditions are right the fungi may multiply, invade the skin and cause infection. This is most likely where there is warmth and moisture, such as the skin between the toes.

Athlete's foot is not usually serious. It can affect anyone at any time and can be spread from person to person, often in communal showers or changing rooms. There are several treatments available for athlete's foot and various methods to prevent it.

The typical symptoms of athlete's foot are dry, itching skin, sometimes with inflammation, cracking and blistering. Usually the spaces between the last two toes are first affected. This may spread to the other toes, the soles and the heels. Occasionally fungal infections may also affect other areas of the body such as the groin or under the arms. The infection can also spread to nails. As this type of infection is more difficult to treat, it is best to treat athlete's foot quickly.

Effective treatment is available for athlete's foot, either on prescription or over the counter from a pharmacy. You do not usually need to see a doctor, however you should seek medical advice if you have diabetes, problems with circulation, open sores or ulcers on your feet or oozing or weeping around your toes.

Various anti-fungal treatments are available as creams, sprays and powders. The use of these products vary, but generally involve applying to the affected areas and surrounding skin for up to two weeks after the symptoms have cleared. It is important to read instruction leaflets carefully when using any treatment, and ask your pharmacist for advice. If symptoms do not clear up after two weeks it is advisable to see your doctor. For more severe infections, or for infections not cleared up by over the counter treatments, it may be necessary for a doctor to prescribe anti-fungal tablets.

Unless advised by your doctor, it is possible to carry on with normal daily activities whilst using treatments. Spread of infection to others can be prevented by keeping your feet covered in changing rooms and around the swimming pool.

The following methods can also be used to prevent re-occurrence:

Wash your feet and between your toes daily with soap and water

Dry the skin thoroughly after washing (especially between the toes)

Do not apply socks and shoes until feet are completely dry

Avoid tight footwear and allow air to circulate around the toes. Cotton socks and leather shoes are best to prevent sweating

Change socks daily

Change shoes regularly. Try to allow 72 hours for footwear to dry out after use

Use a separate towel for your feet. Wash it regularly and do not share with anyone else

Keep feet covered in communal changing rooms and around swimming pools

And don't scratch!