Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet. It can involve large areas of the feet or small areas such as the skin between, and beneath, the toes. It can also affect the toenails. Excessive sweating and anything that tends to leave the feet continually damp, such as the habitual wearing of non-porous trainers, can pre-dispose to the infection. Sometimes, however, the infection takes the form of a dry, flaking rash extending from the sole of the foot onto the upper surface. In the majority of cases the condition is little more than a minor inconvenience but in those susceptible to infection, such as diabetics or people with an impaired immune system, it can present a real problem. Sometimes athlete’s foot is associated with a rash elsewhere on the body, particularly on the palms of the hands. This is thought to be a reaction to blood-borne toxins released into the circulation by the fungi on the feet.
The feet should be washed and dried properly twice a day. Exposure to fresh air and sunlight is helpful. Socks made of synthetic material should be avoided, as should the continual wearing of impervious footwear such as plastic trainers. Cotton is to be preferred for socks. Sandals are a very useful form of footwear in these circumstances. Antifungal preparations, such as foot powders, are available without prescription but in the more chronic cases the doctor should be consulted and a more sophisticated, and successful, antifungal preparation may be prescribed. |
