Athlete’s Foot – Not Just for Athletes

Picture this, it’s a gorgeous summer day and you’re in your new bathing suit and matching cover-up, new shades and fabulous sandals. You’re stunning and you know it! As you get yourself set up on your lounge chaise by the pool you slip off your cover-up, pull out the latest bestseller, settle down for an afternoon of sun and warm breezes. You are so engrossed in the book you are reading that you don’t realize you’re sandals have fallen to the pool deck exposing your cracked, scaly, peeling (not to mention itchy) feet. Horror of horrors – everyone now knows you have succumbed to Athletes Foot.

Athlete’s Foot is a very common fungal infection which is not restricted to athletes. Tinea pedis, like a faithful pet, will stick with you as long as you continue to nurture it. Warm, damp conditions are ideal; pool decks and locker room floors are it’s stomping grounds. It likes to show up in between the toes but can also make an appearance on the heels and in some cases in blister form. It can be highly contagious, being passed along by contact with someone else’s infected feet, floors and shoes, which have come into contact with the fungus.

To prevent getting this fungal nuisance, always wear sandals or flip flops on pool decks, public showers and locker rooms. Keep your feet dry and if necessary use talcum powder. Change your socks often and wear shoes that are not tight and allow air to circulate. If you do happen to get Athlete’s Foot follow the above instructions but also see your doctor and he/she may provide you with antifungal cream or in severe cases, oral medicine. With extreme cracking of the skin, bacterial infections can also occur and will need to be treated as well.

There’s no need to dread baring your feet on a balmy day as long as you take some simple precautions. And don’t’ forget your kids feet too – Athlete’s Foot is not picky about age, gender or athletic ability.