Athletes Foot Cures
Athletes foot is an extremely curable ailment, but due to the lack of knowledge of athletes foot in general, many people who have athletes foot may be unaware of what it is, unaware of what they did to contract it, and even more so unaware of how to treat it without visiting the doctors.
In this article, you will learn all you will ever need to know about athletes foot and, preventative methods and athletes foot cures. So, read on.
What is athletes foot?
Athletes foot is a fungal infection. The offending fungus, usually one of two kinds, lives on the surface of our skin and survives by feeding off dead skin cells. The fungi favour moist and warm conditions, and our feet make for the ideal home, particularly in between the toes or under the toenails. The infection what is known as athletes foot can also develop on other parts of the body such as the face and hands, and people with much facial hair may find themselves at more of a risk.
What are the symptoms of athletes foot?
Obviously due to the severity and other factors, the symptoms of athletes foot will vary greatly. Some people may only develop athletes foot on the soles of their feet, this is a particularly common place for athletes foot to develop for people who partake in sports involving much running, as the skin wears here allowing access for the fungus (as will be explained shortly). Athletes foot is also highly common in between the toes, as this is the most moist and warm part of the foot.
The symptoms of athletes foot may be any combination of the following:
- Flaky, cracking, scaly skin on the soles of the feet which may peal off quite readily, particularly during bathing.
- Development of pustules and sores which may bleed and weep.
- A burning or stinging sensation, and may itch considerably.
How did I get athletes foot?
Although usually harmless whilst on the surface of the skin and in small quantity, if the fungus is allowed to grow, and moreover, get under the skin, layers of the skin can serve as a rapid breeding ground for the fungus and cause highly noticeable symptoms. Simply put, most people develop athletes foot because of their own lack of awareness. The most common way athletes foot develops is if your feet are in prolonged states of saturation due to sweating, and the fungus gets under the skin. This is why so many athletes suffer from athletes foot, because as their feet spend more time in damp conditions, as their skin wears away quicker on the feet, the fungus can gain a foothold and begin causing damage fairly rapidly.
We can automatically cut down our risk of developing athletes foot significantly by adhering to a few simple foot care procedures:
- Bath your feet often. This will curb the build up of fungi, minimising your risk of developing athletes foot.
- Change your socks regularly, particularly after bathing. Used socks contain an accumulation of fungi. Change the socks, cut down on the amount of fungi around your feet.
- Keep your feet as dry as possible by wearing breathable footwear. The less your feet sweat, the better. Also drying your feet more thoroughly after showering will ensure you're not giving the fungi a helping hand in the moisture stakes.
- Wear socks made of fabric which is known to soak up sweat well, such as cotton socks.
What can I do to cure athletes foot?
As athletes foot is a fungal infection, a treatment requiring anti-fungal properties will be required. You could see your doctor and get a prescription medication, or you may wish to visit your pharmacist to buy a special athletes foot medication without prescription. Another method of treating athletes foot is using Tea Tree Oil, applying 4-10 drops to your infected feet and rubbing in 3 times a day for around three weeks to a month.
If you find yourself struggling to rid yourself of athletes foot you ought to visit your G.P. and relay to them which medication you tried which failed, and they will prescribe something stronger or different for you to try. Athletes Foot Articles |
