Athlete’s foot is a real pain. That is true in more ways than one. This condition can run from mild discomfort, all the way up to something quite debilitating. Worse yet, there are a variety of ways in which an individual can develop this condition.
Thankfully, while there are numerous causes for athlete’s foot, and while there are several symptoms of the condition, as well, there are also a variety of remedies.
The important thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to a condition like this, you are going to want to deal with things as quickly as possible. It can be extremely difficult for this condition to simply go away on its own. Furthermore, the symptoms can prove to be incredibly problematic.
Athlete’s Foot Causes
Medically known as tinea pedis, this condition can occur as a consequence of tinea fungus growing on your feet. There are two main ways to catch this condition. The first would be to come into direct contact with someone who has tinea pedis. This is not the most common way of developing the fungus, but it is nonetheless a significant possibility. The second potential cause can be when you come into contact with surfaces that contain the fungus. If you have ever heard of someone getting athlete’s foot from the public showers at a swimming pool, then you already know an example of how someone can touch a surface, and develop the condition.
One of the problems with this fungus is that it can thrive under a variety of circumstances. Warm, moist environments are what this fungus prefers. It isn’t difficult to imagine a wide variety of places. Swimming pools, showers, and locker room floors are just a few of the places in which this fungus is capable of growing. This is why it’s always a good idea to wear protective footwear in public showers and similar places!
Preventing Athlete’s Foot
What are some of the treatments for athlete’s foot? There are a number of possibilities you can explore, including topical creams. While these options are available to you, there is definitely something that can be said for taking preventative measures. In the end, preventing athlete’s foot is easy enough, and preferable to treating it.
Keeping your feet clean and dry is going to be your best bet, in terms of preventative measures. When you go swimming, take a shower, or have a bath, make sure to dry in the spaces between your toes. Changes your socks frequently, at least once a day.
When you visit places like swimming pools, make sure to wear protective footgear. Shoes like sandals are great to that end, since they allow your feet to breathe. Obviously, you don’t want to wear other peoples’ shoes or socks. Changing shoes often can also prove to be a good idea. The same can be said for using antifungal powders in your shoes.
Symptoms Of Athlete’s Foot
Not surprisingly, there are tons of symptoms of athlete’s foot to consider. As mentioned before, the symptoms of this condition can vary from one person to the next.
If you have dry skin, itching, or burning of the feet, then there is a good chance that you have this condition. Furthermore, you will also want to make it a point to look for redness in the skin of your feet. If you have all four of these symptoms, then it is highly likely that you have this fungus.
But don’t worry. There are a variety of athlete’s foot treatments that you can consider.
Treating Athlete’s Foot
If you want to get rid of athletes foot antibiotics are the most popular method for treating this condition. There are several different possibilities available in over-the-counter and prescription forms. Creams are easily the most popular method for treating this condition. You can find both over-the-counter creams and prescription creams, which is why you may not need to seek actual medical attention.
Unless you are experiencing painful, debilitating symptoms, like the ones mentioned above, you can generally deal with athlete’s foot on your own. There are several effective over-the-counter options you can explore. Make sure to follow all of the directions on any products that you choose. Furthermore, you should also make it a point to do as much research as possible on all of the possibilities that you explore. This is definitely one area in which you want to make an informed condition.
However, if the over-the-counter creams prove to be ineffective, or if the condition is reoccurring, then you are going to want to see a doctor. In certain cases, doctors will prescribe oral antibiotics. This option is generally reserved for the more persistent, severe cases.
This condition impacts millions in varying forms. If you suspect that you have this condition, then you should take steps to do that as soon as you possibly can. You can also take the preventive measures offered above.
Athletes foot is such a pain. Mine just keeps coming back. So annoying.