A fungal skin infection, athlete’s foot, leads to a rash on the skin of your foot – there are three forms of this infection, each with different symptoms which affect various areas of the foot. This condition is caused by a fungus which develops o the top layer of skin – as with all fungi, it develops in areas which are moist and warm. This makes the foot an ideal spot to grow, as our feet get warm and wet during the day from walking in tight shoes and trainers. It can spread incredibly easily, so if someone you’re living with has it, it’s likely that you’ll spot the symptoms on yourself quickly too. Swimming pool or gym changing rooms are a common place for picking up the fungus as well, from walking on the bare contaminated flooring. Though researchers are unsure why, some people are more prone to developing this condition than others – once you have it, it’s likely that you’ll develop it again later in life. The symptoms are easy to spot, with an itchy red rash developing on your feet and between your toes. The skin in this area may crack or peel, and depending on which form of the infection you have, you may spot other symptoms too. For example, if you have a toe web infection, your symptoms will most likely show up on the fourth and fifth toes, where the skin will become peeled and scaly. People with this infection may also have a bacterial infection, which can cause the skin to break down even more. A moccasin-type infection begins with soreness on the foot, with the heel of your foot becoming cracked, thickened and even crumbly – the toenails may become infected as well. Lastly, a vesicular-type infection begins with the outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin of your foot. These generally develop underneath your foot, but they can appear anywhere – as before, you can also develop a bacterial infection with this form of athlete’s foot.
Generally, your GP will be able to spot that you have this condition simply by looking at your feet – the symptoms are fairly easy to diagnose, and they may ask about any previous fungal infections you’ve had. That said, not all infections on your feet are athlete’s foot, so it’s advised that you get medical advice rather than simply self-diagnosing. There are various treatments available, from over-the-counter lotions to creams and sprays that will break down the fungus and clear any infection. In severe cases, you may also be prescribed tablets or medicine that you can put on your skin. This should be taken for as long as your GP has advised, not simply until the infection looks to be gone. It’s advised that you keep your feet clean and dry as much as possible, as the fungus will grow in warm and moist places – try wearing cooler shoes or sandals to get the air circulating around your feet, and take off your shoes when you’re at home to let them breathe. If you’re going to public places such as gyms or swimming pools, wear sandals when you’re in the changing rooms or showers, to avoid the spread of infection both to yourself and others around you. You may find putting talcum powder on your feet can help as well, as this will keep them dry. If you’re prone to getting athlete’s foot, you may want to consider changing your shoes – the fungus can spread to these and grow within your shoes, as they remain an ideal growing space for fungi.
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