Athletes Foot Fungus

Although you are maybe unaware of the fact, on the surface of your skin there are many different kinds of bacteria and fungi. They are invisible to the eye, and most of the time they are completely harmless. Some times however, for certain reasons, they can begin to cause harm to our bodies.

This is the case for 'Tinea Pedis', or 'Athletes Foot' as it is most commonly known. Athletes foot is the result of a fungal attack usually by a species of Trichophyton or Epidermophyton fungi. Most types of fungi tend to enjoy moist and warm conditions, and the feet can provide the perfect home for them, particularly in between the toes which tend to be the most warm and moist areas of our feet.

These fungi usually become a problem if they are allowed an easy entry underneath our skins, by way of a cut or graze. Once under the skin, they can cause an infection which results in the typical symptoms of athletes foot.

Athletes foot fungus can cause a chapping of the skin, making the skin dry and flaky. It can cause the skin to become inflamed and sore, and even create open sores which bleed and weep.

Overall, athletes foot is a condition which can be fairly easily avoided, and there are things you can do in the future to keep athletes foot fungus from developing to this problematic extent.

Try and keep your feet from perspiring so much by wearing breathable footwear. Wearing cotton socks is also a good idea, since they tend to draw perspiration away from the foot. Ensure you change your socks regularly after washing your feet to prevent fungi building up within the sock. Also, after you have washed you feet, you should dry your feet properly, particularly between the toes. Leaving your feet damp only helps the fungi propagate.

If you do develop athletes foot, there are many great products readily available from pharmacists or on a doctors prescription which ought to clear your condition up within a matter of weeks.