Keep Athlete’s foot at bay
November 30, 2008
Also known as “tinea pedis” or “foot ring-worm”, athlete’s foot is known to be a common condition suffered by many people above 12 or 15 years of age. Athlete’s foot is a parasitic fungal infection of the epidermis of the human foot. It usually occurs between the toes, but in many cases it may appear as an extensive “moccasin” pattern on the bottom and sides of the foot. Athlete’s foot more commonly affects males than females. This skin disease is caused due to a fungus which is largely found in places where people share a common facility like lockers, swimming pools, etc.
The usual symptoms of athlete’s foot include scaling and peeling between the toes, mild pain, odour, blistering and itching. It is therefore important to keep your feet clean and dry as unhygienic conditions and moist feet will further worsen the problem. In order to avoid athlete’s foot you should wear socks made of natural fibres so that all moisture is absorbed and your footwear should also be well ventilated so that your feet are dry at all times.
Athlete’s foot is a communicable disease and is easily transmitted in moist environment, especially where people walk barefoot. This fungus can also spread to other parts of your body. Therefore it is important that you visit a podiatrist, as soon as you find symptoms of athlete’s foot breaking out. There are many natural treatments to get rid of athlete’s foot. Lemongrass and lavender oils are the best way to treat this disease naturally.