How To Recognize Athlete's Foot Symptoms
The condition known as tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is caused by fungus. To be accurate, it is the Trichophyton fungus that is the cause of this infection. Another term used to describe athlete's foot is ringworm of the foot. There are characteristic athlete's foot symptoms that can help diagnose this condition. You may notice itching, burning and/or peeling. Redness, scaling and flaking of the skin may also be present. Most of these symptoms occur between the toes, but red and dry soles of the feet may also be evident.
Although fungus is the cause of athlete's foot, it can usually be averted with preventative measures. For example, wearing breathable materials such as socks and shoes can help. Also, wearing leather shoes as opposed to vinyl can help keep air circulating around the feet. Wearing flip flops in your gym or swimming pool locker room is another simple preventative measure. Tinea pedis is contagious and is most frequently picked up from contaminated areas on the floor where people with the condition have gone barefoot. There are other places to pick up the fungus, but public areas are the most common.
If you get athlete's foot, it can be cured using over the counter medications which come in the form of powders or creams made for this very purpose. Common brand names like Lamisil and many other antifungal products contain a fungus killing ingredient called miconazole. If you want to give a home remedy a try, soak the affected foot in a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water for about 20 minutes once or twice daily. If none of the above treatments eliminate the problem your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. Be aware that these prescribed medicines are used as a last resort because they are taxing on the liver and thus prior to the prescription candidates have to be approved by their doctor.
Knowledge is power and knowing about athlete's foot symptoms empowers you to recognize its symptoms sooner than later. The earlier you notice it, the more likely home treatments will be successful. Also remember by practicing foot good hygiene and never going barefoot, especially at public places, are simple preventative measures to avoid picking up this fungal infection. It is a quite common condition and with all the treatments available there is no reason to be worried. While it can be unpleasant to live with, in the majority of cases, it can be easily cured and quickly forgotten.
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