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Ilkeston
Chiropody Centre
Beeston
Chiropody Centre
A Foot Above®
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Ilkeston
Chiropody Centre
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Athletes Foot
Foot Care
What is Athlete's Foot?
Athletes Foot is a fungal infection of the skin also known as tinea pedis. It is
caused by the fungus Trichophyton. When the feet, or other areas of the body,
stay warm and moist, the fungus thrives and infect the upper layer of the skin.
The fungus can also spread to the toenails, which is much harder to treat. Up
to 70% of the population will have Athlete's foot at some time during their
lives.
What causes Athlete's Foot?
The fungus that causes Athlete's foot can be found on floors and in socks and
clothing. It can be spread from person to person by contact with these objects
and is highly contagious.
What are the signs & symptoms of Athlete's foot?
It is common to experience one or more of these signs and symptoms with
Athlete's foot:
Treatment of Athlete's foot
In most cases, Athlete's foot can be simply treated with the application of over
the counter anti-fungal preparations. These are available in powder form,
emollient (cream) or sprays. Once the signs and symptoms have disappeared, it is
important to follow the prevention advice below to avoid re-infection.
Prevention of Athlete's foot
- Without proper growing conditions (a warm, moist environment), the fungus will
not infect the skin. Avoid keeping your feet in warm, dark, airless places for
long periods of time (such as trainers).
- Avoid footwear and hosiery made of synthetic materials. Leather shoes and cotton
socks both allow your feet to breathe. Also, change socks daily and try and
alternate footwear daily, particularly trainers.
- If you wear trainers for sport or at the gym, make sure they get a good airing
after use and are not left to fester in your sports bag!
- When in communal areas (such as changing rooms or around a swimming pool) avoid
walking barefoot. Wear flip flops and make sure you dry them after use!
- Don't share towels with others and use a separate towel for your feet to avoid
spreading the fungus around your body.
- Keep feet clean! Wash them daily with a mild soap and take care to
dry them properly paying particular attention to the spaces between the toes.
- Apply cream to your feet after bathing and drying. Spread liberally over the
feet with particular attention to the heels but avoid applying cream between the
toes - this creates a moist environment for the fungus.
Athletes Foot | Chilblains | Corns | Cracked Heels | Nail Surgery
Fungal Nail Infection | Sweaty Feet | Toenails | Verruca
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