Athlete's Foot Treatment and Cure

Definition

Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. Athlete's foot may last for a short or long time and may come back after treatment. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects many people at some time in their lives. The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers.Although athlete's foot occurs mostly among teen and young adult guys, kids and women can get it, too. People with sweaty or damp feet are at risk. Walking barefoot where others also walk barefoot is one way the fungus can get on your feet in the first place. That's why your mom or dad might say to wear your sandals when you're showering in a public shower.

Athlete's Foot Causes

1. Wear closed shoes especially plastic lined shoes can cause athlete's foot problem. Because This fungus requires a warm and moist environment. Wearing poorly ventilated shoes and socks that harbor perspiration provide an ideal breeding ground for the germs that quickly multiply to cause athlete's foot.
2. Keeping feet wet for a prolonged time may also cause this problem. this provides the bacteria to attack the skin and make the skin caused the athlete's problem.
3. When the skin is injured by the fungus, bacteria can also invade the skin. These bacteria can cause a bad smell. Bacterial infection of the skin and resulting inflammation is known as cellulitis.
4. A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes causes athlete's foot. In response to this fungal growth, the basal layer of the skin produces more skin cells than usual. As these cells push to the surface, the skin becomes thick and scaly. this causes the problem.

Athlete's Foot Symptoms

1. The main symptom of athlete's foot problem is that it makes the feet's peeling, cracking and scaling.
2. The skin becomes reddish, soft and also it breaks down.
3. Sometimes after an episode of athlete's foot, if particles enter the bloodstream, there may be an allergic reaction causing blisters on the fingers, toes or hands.
4. If you have diabetes or an illness that makes it harder for your body to fight off infections, athlete’s foot can become a very serious infection in itself or facilitate secondary infections with other serious organisms. You should see a doctor immediately if your feet develop severe redness or swelling, areas of pus or severe pain.

Athlete's Foot Treatment

1. Treatment should be continued for two weeks after the symptoms have disappeared to ensure the infection has been removed completely.
2. Most infections respond well to these topical agents, which include Terbinafine, Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), Miconazole.
3. Oral medicines also help in curing this disease. some of oral medicines are Itraconazole (Sporanox), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Miconazole (Micatin).
4. Avoid wearing tight or synthetic footwear that doesn't allow your feet to breathe.
5. Try to make your feet clean every time, so wash your feet everyday.
6. Try to make your feet dry too. especially the space between toes should be made dried by remembrance.
7. Wear clean, cotton socks and change your socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep your feet dry.

Home Remedies For Athlete's Foot

• Tee Tree oil is great for cureing athlete's feet. Many of my family members have used it with success.
• In a blender, blend 3 sprigs of fresh basil with water. Heat adding one forth cup salt and enough water to fill a foot basin. Soak 30 minutes in the warm liquid. Pain and itching leave immediately.
• Cornstarch is beneficial in treating Athletes Foot. Sprinkle some cornstarch on and between your toe fingers.