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What is
ATHLETE'S FOOT?
-
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
is a common fungal skin infection affecting the feet and the areas
between the toes.
Causes of ATHLETE'S FOOT
-
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus which infects the foot and toes.
Symptoms of
ATHLETE'S FOOT
-
Cracked, blistered, and peeling areas between the toes.
- Redness, scaling, and thickening on the soles.
- Itching and irritation of the affected areas.
Prevention of
ATHLETE'S FOOT
- The
feet should be kept clean and dry. After swimming or bathing, the area
between the toes should be dried well.
- Cotton socks should be worn to absorb sweat.
- Sandals or shoes which allow the feet to "breathe" should
also be worn.
- Flip-flops or shower shoes should be worn in public showers.
Treatment of
ATHLETE'S FOOT
-
Topical anti-fungal preparations (creams, powders, sprays) are used to
kill the fungus causing the infection and many are available without a
prescription. (Specific
products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.) These products should be
used for one to two weeks after symptoms clear up to prevent
recurrence.
- Stronger topical medications and systemic anti-fungal medication
(tablets) may be used to treat severe or chronic infections and are
available only by prescription.
- Topical steroids like hydrocortisone should not be used to
treat fungal infections.
- A physician should be called if the patient is diabetic, if there are
increased signs of redness, swelling and/or pus, or if the symptoms do
not improve after one week of OTC treatment.
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