What is athlete’s foot?

Tinea pedis, better known as athlete’s foot, is a contagious fungal infection that irritates the skin. While, as the name implies, it is commonly found on the feet of athletes, athlete’s foot can affect anyone regardless of their lifestyle or physical activity level, and it can also spread to the hands.

Athlete’s foot presents itself in the form of symptoms including itchiness, burning, blisters, dry or cracked skin, foul odors, and deformed toenails. You can learn more about the different varieties of athlete’s foot here.

What causes it?

Athlete’s foot is a type of fungus. This fungus, which is part of the family also associated with ailments like jock itch and ringworm, survives best in warm, moist habitats such as showers, locker rooms, and public pools. It then makes its home on the human body to thrive on a steady diet of keratin, a protein found in hair, nails, and skin.

While even the most cautious person can become afflicted with athlete’s foot, certain behaviors pose a particularly high risk and should be avoided. Going barefoot in public places, especially those with warm, moist environments, can expose the feet to athlete’s foot, as can sharing socks, shoes, and towels. Having wet or sweaty feet, especially if confined in tight shoes, can also welcome the fungus.

How is it treated?

In more severe cases of athlete’s foot, a doctor may prescribe medication, but many patients can find relief from over-the-counter products, including pills, topical ointments, and tea tree oil. Foot soaks can also aid in the treatment of athlete’s foot, especially in cases involving blisters.

FootBathTx alleviates athlete’s foot symptoms and gets rid of the bacteria and fungi making themselves at home on your feet. This means that in addition to feeling relief from dry, itchy skin almost instantly, you won’t have to worry about your athlete’s foot coming back after treatment.

How to prevent it?

Once your athlete’s foot is cured, you can take some simple steps to reduce your risk of getting it again:

• When visiting the gym or the pool, wear flip flops, even in the shower.
• At home, allow your feet to breathe by going barefoot.
• Avoid sharing footwear or towels with friends or family.
• Cover up any open cuts or sores on your feet with bandages.
• When possible, use footwear made of breathable materials to give your feet some fresh air, and switch to a new pair of socks when your feet start to feel clammy.
• Wash your feet thoroughly and frequently, as well as your shoes, socks, towels, and bedsheets.
• Use antifungal powder.

While it’s impossible to eliminate the possibility of getting athlete’s foot completely, people who take these actions are significantly less likely to become infected.