Kick It: Simple Tips for Getting Rid of Athlete's Foot

You don't have to be a sports figure to have athlete's foot. It's a condition that will plague you if the environment in your feet is ideal for the micro-organisms that cause it. Athlete's foot is a name given to the itchy lesions that appear in feet, often found between the toes. It's a very bothersome condition and should be treated immediately. If you have athlete's foot and want to get rid of it, here are some important things you must know:

What causes athlete's foot?
Getting rid of athlete's foot or tinea pedis means understanding what it is and what causes it. The culprit in this case is fungi, which normally lives on our skin. They are usually harmless, but when there are changes in the skin's environment that encourages fungi to grow, this often results to fungal infections such as athlete's foot.

What does athlete's foot look like?
Athlete's foot begins as a scaly, flaky patch of skin that is very itchy. Scratching it will not stop the itch and may sometimes aggravate the discomfort. If left untreated, skin may crack and blisters may appear which expose the tissue underneath. The affected area may become inflamed and painful.

Is athlete's foot found in other areas of the body other than the feet?
The fungus that causes athlete's foot can infect other parts of the body like the knees, groin, elbows, armpits and even the feet. Once it moves to another part of the body, it's no longer called athlete's foot. If it settles in the groin area, for example, it will be known as jock itch and its medical term will be tinea cruris.

How do I get rid of athlete's foot?
If you already have athlete's foot, your first line of defense should be medications with antifungal properties. Your doctor will most probably prescribe topical creams and ointments that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine or itraconazole. These creams are usually applied two or three times a day on clean feet. If infection has already started because of the exposed flesh, your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics to prevent further damage.

Take the recommended dosage and make sure you complete the full course of treatment. A common mistake among athlete's foot sufferers is that they stop treatment just after the itching and inflammation disappear. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean the fungi are destroyed. It usually takes about two weeks for the symptoms to disappear so you'll have to keep using the medication for another week or so to complete the treatment. If the condition is severe, treatment can even take about 45 days or longer.

What can I do to get rid of athlete's foot totally?
To completely get rid of athlete's foot, you must prevent the fungus responsible from acting up again. This type of fungus prefers warm, moist environments so it's important to keep your feet dry as much as possible, especially the area between the toes. Change your socks daily and wash your socks and beddings in 60C water.

Athlete's foot can transfer from one individual to another. If you have it, don't share your shoes, flip-flops, towels or clothes to anyone else. Keep athlete's foot at bay by not borrowing personal items from others. Wear rubber sandals in bathrooms, changing rooms and swimming pools. Prevent sweaty feet by using antifungal powders, creams or sprays. Wear socks made of natural fiber such as cotton to help absorb moisture.