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Athlete's Foot Fungus Treatment, Symptoms, Prevention and Causes

What is athlete's foot fungus (tinea pedis)

It is a common skin infection typically occurring between the toes or on the soles of the feet. It is caused by a skin fungus (or a dermatophyte), which is a microscopic parasite that lives on the skin and feeds on dead organic material.

This contagious condition is also known as tinea pedis or ringworm athlete's foot.

Athlete's Foot Smell

Athlete's Foot Fungus

 

Athlete's Foot Fungus Symptoms

Does athlete's foot smell?

Yes it does produce an unpleasant foot odor, and if you have it, your feet will experience one or more of the following:

  • Dry, cracked or scaly skin
  • Chronic sweating of your feet and between your toes
  • Stinky Feet
  • Inflammation of the affected area
  • Itching, stinging or burning sensation
  • Athlete's foot blisters

 

Causes

What causes athlete's foot?

Although a person does not have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot, the condition received its name because the infection was common among athletes who frequently shared facilities, such as locker rooms, bathing areas and swimming pools. Such environments are often warm and humid, which are ideal conditions for fungi to breed and spread from person to person.

Prevention

How to prevent athlete's foot?

  • Do not walk barefoot in locker rooms, public shower facilities and pool areas.
  • Try to refrain from sharing shoes, socks or towels with others to prevent transmission.
  • Practice good foot hygiene by washing feet daily. Remember to dry them completely, particularly between toes. Using foot powder can help keep feet dry and inhibit fungal growth.
  • Avoid wearing the same pair of footwear two days in a row, in order to allow proper shoe ventilation.

Treatment

How to treat athlete's foot?

The best treatment for athlete's foot is prevention, but if you have symptoms, using topical solutions, (such as soaps, sprays or creams), can be very helpful. Tea tree oil is a very beneficial active ingredient for treating fungal problems. This all-natural essential oil has been used since ancient times as a disinfectant to fight germs and as an antiseptic to help prevent re-infection.

Links to recommended PediFix® Products:

 

Warning

We hope these suggestions improve your health and make you more comfortable. However, if you have any concerns about our advice, if any symptom persists for an unreasonable amount of time or if your condition worsens after self-treatment, we encourage you to consult a medical professional for further assistance. Please note, people with diabetes and poor circulation should always consult a medical professional before performing any self-treatment.
 
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