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Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the
feet, usually occurring between the toes. Symptoms include
pain, burning, itching, cracking, scaling and swelling.
Sometimes the infection can spread to the soles of the
feet and to the toenails and, if left untreated, can infect
other parts of the body as well, including the fingers,
hands, scalp, underarms, groin, and mouth.
Athlete's
foot is caused by a fungus that becomes active when
exposed to a warm and humid environment or when there
is a change in the condition of the skin. The moist
environment of shower areas is perfect for harboring
fungi. Shoes and socks are also likely breeding grounds
because they tend to accumulate perspiration and moisture.
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Anyone
can get athlete's foot, even non-athletes! Some people
are more prone to fungal infections because of their age,
heredity or health condition. Older people are more susceptible
because as they age, their skin becomes thinner and dryer
and less able to guard against fungal infections. People
with diseases such as diabetes or peripheral vascular
disease that lower their resistance to infection are also
at increased risk and should take preventive measures
to prevent athlete's foot.
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It
is important to treat athlete's foot when symptoms first
occur to keep the infection from spreading to other parts
of the body. Over-the-counter antifungal medications such
as Lamisil or Lotrimin are normally very effective for
most cases of athlete's foot, providing you don't stop
treatment too soon. People often terminate treatment as
soon as their symptoms go away, which can cause the infection
to recur since the infection may still be present. |
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You can help prevent athlete's foot by keeping your feet
and your bath or shower area clean and dry. Always wear
clean socks and avoid wearing the same shoes two days
in a row (they need time to dry out). Try not to walk
barefoot in community areas.
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Treatment
and Prevention
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Always
wash and dry feet carefully, especially between
the toes |
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Wear
cotton socks more often than nylon or silk socks |
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Use
foot powder to help keep feet dry |
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Wash
socks in hot water and bleach |
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Use
an over-the-counter antifungal medication to treat
infected areas when symptoms first appear. Be sure
to use the medication for the entire recommended
period of time |
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If
infection does not respond to treatment, see your
podiatrist. Prescription medication are more effective
such as: oral medicine - Lamisil and Sporonox, or
topical-Penlac, Loprox, and Spectazole |
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The tendency to sweat excessively is called hyperhidrosis. In addition to causing foot odor, walking with sweaty feet can cause fungal growth (such as athlete's foot) and other infections. If your feet sweat, be especially careful to keep them clean and dry. Use an antiperspirant powder or spray and change your socks whenever they become damp.
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Combating
fungal nail infections
Fungal
infection of the toenails or onychomycosis is a
common health problem, although many people assume it's
nothing more than a cosmetic problem. In reality, if a
fungal infection is ignored, its spread could impair your
ability to walk by being painful and irritable.
A
fungal infection is caused when fungus, along with dirt
and debris, becomes trapped under the toenail and penetrates
the softer nail bed. Nails attacked by fungus thicken,
discolor and may separate from the nail bed or even
crumble away. Your podiatrist will examine your nails
and recommend the appropriate treatment depending on
the severity of the condition. Medication is often prescribed.
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the
infected nail so a new nail may be able to grow out
in three months.
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Treatment options
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Keep
feet clean and dry to help resist infection |
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Keep your toenails trimmed short and straight across
don't cut the corner too deep or too round or arched |
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Use
a cuticle stick (nothing sharp) to remove dirt and
debris from under your nails |
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Prescription antifungal medication may be recommended |
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Surgical
removal of the infected nail may be necessary in
some cases, and can be done at the podiatrist's
office |
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