Athlete's Foot - Symptoms and Treatment of Athlete's Foot, Athletes Foot

Skin infection caused by Trichophyton fungus in the foot is called athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is a very common skin condition - many people will develop it at least once in their lives. Athlete's foot is transmitted through contact with a cut or abrasion on the bottom of the foot. In rare cases, the fungus is transmitted from infected animals to humans. Athlete's foot is a common name given to a fungus infection of the skin that predominately occurs in between toes but can occur anywhere on the foot. Athlete's foot easily can go unnoticed, especially if there is no itching present.

It's called Athletes Foot because the condition is more common amongst active people - that's because active people are more likely to use swimming pools, showers and locker rooms where the condition is sometimes common.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

The symptoms of this condition include itching and burning feet. may be redness, scaling, and even dryness on the soles and along the sides of the feet. Athletes foot may also produce itching and burning of the feet. The skin often peels and, especially in severe cases, there can be some cracking, bleeding and pain as well. When the skin is indignant by the fungus, bacteria can also attack the skin. These bacteria can cause a bad odor.

Bacterial infection of the skin and resulting irritation is known as cellulite. This is especially likely to occur in the mature, individuals with diabetes, constant leg swelling, or who have had veins detached (such as incase of heart bypass surgery), and patients with impaired resistant systems. The fungal infection can spread to the toenails, and can be transmitted to other household members. Occasionally, people will develop pronounced symptoms such as painful blisters. Bacteria can enter through these open sores, producing a more serious infection -- especially for people with diabetes.

What Causes Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a skin disease in the foot caused by a fungus. The fungus which affects Athlete foot is called Trichophyton. However, it is not known exactly who is at risk for getting athlete's foot. Sweaty feet, tight shoes/socks, not drying one's feet well after swimming, bathing, or exercising all contribute to the development of athlete's foot. Athlete foot is mainly caused by the ringworm fungus. The fungus which causes Athlete foot can be found on floors, in socks and clothing. About 70% of the population will have this condition at some time during their lives.

Treatment and cure for Athlete's Foot

The cure of Athlete foot can be separated into two parts. The first part, which is most important to make the unhygienic area less suitable for the Athlete foot fungus to grow. This means the area should be clean and dry. Antifungal creams can be used. Many medications are available. Treatment should be constant for 4 weeks. For simple cases, anti-fungal creams are effective and can relieve symptoms such as burning and itching fairly quickly.

In more severe cases, or if your infection is resistant to usual treatment, antifungal pills may be prescribed. Topical antifungal drugs containing miconazole and clotrimazole, available by prescription or over the counter, are used to clear up the infection. Creams and sprays can also be used. One of the most effective creams is Lamisil Cream. Soak feet in very warm water with about one part white vinegar to four parts water, for 20 - 30 minutes, 2 times a day, until the fungus is no longer visible and irritating.