Athletes foot
Athletes foot is caused by a fungal infection of the foot.
Causes
The cause of athletes foot is a fungus called trichophyton, which is a fungus that thrives in moist and warm environments. It commonly affects the toes, the spaces between them and the soles of the feet. Athletes foot is contagious, though only in conditions where the fungus can thrive. It can be caught through socks and changing room floors.
Symptoms
Symptoms of athletes foot includes:
- Itching and/or burning skin
- Peeling or flaking skin
- Dry and discoloured skin
- Blisters
- Cracking and bleeding of the skin.
Treatment
To treat the infection of athletes foot, anti-fungal creams and powders are recommended and can be purchased at your local pharmacist. Some cases may require other antifungal medication, which is prescribed by a general practitioner.
To prevent athletes foot it is important to make the foot environment undesirable for fungus by keeping the foot area clean and dry. Our Balmain chiropractors suggest you can do this by:
- Wearing breathable shoes that are made from natural materials
- Drying feet thoroughly after wetting the feet in the shower and bath.
- When showering or using communal areas, wear thongs
- Change your socks regularly.
