Athlete’s foot is a condition caused by fungus. There are literally thousands of different types of fungus. Even mushrooms are considered a fungus. Fungi generally live in environments which are warm, moist, and free of sunlight. Our shoes fit this description and hence are a perfect environment for these organisms. Athlete’s foot is a contagious disorder.
When showering in community areas (i.e. locker rooms), it is recommended to wear flip-flops or other footwear. The continuous damp environment in these showers allows the fungus to grow. The most common area of Athlete’s foot is between the 4th and 5th (little) toes. Symptoms usually begin with an itchy, burning sensation. Blisters may form and the skin may peel. Ulcers are another consequence. Between the toes, a linear opening may form. In severe cases, a bacterial infection may develop. This secondary problem usually requires antibiotics.
Fungal toenails may be the source of Athlete’s Foot. In most cases, the treatment of the fungal nails resolves the Athlete’s Foot. The section on fungal toenails discusses this treatment. There are a number of medications used in the treatment of Athlete’s Foot. The main consideration is keeping your shoes dry. A method is to use Shoe “A” on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Shoe “B” is used on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The shoes should be kept in a dry area after applying powder. Over the counter anti-fungal powders like Desenex are available.
