Avoid fungal infection by keeping your feet clean and dry.
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the feet. Despite its name, athletes are not the only ones who get the itching, stinging and burning feeling between the toes. Getting rid of this skin disease can, however, take some effort.
The name of the condition may come from the fact that the infection is typically acquired in places such as locker rooms, gyms, communal showers, saunas and swimming pools where people walk barefoot. Sometimes, those infected don’t even know it, says Natalie Tang, Senior Podiatrist at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.
Who is at risk?
Even if you were to step on a floor likely to be infected – for instance, the same shower stall as your housemate who has cracking, peeling blisters on his feet – it doesn’t mean you’ll pick up athlete’s foot. Life’s not fair: some people are more prone than others.
If your immune system is weakened (due to diabetes or HIV for instance), you’re more vulnerable to the fungus. Ditto if you have an existing minor skin or toe nail injury.
Beyond that, whether athlete’s foot develops mostly depends on whether you provide the fungus with a cozy, loving home. For tinea pedis, this would be any warm, moist environment, such as tight shoes made of non-breathable material, explains Ms Tang.
Getting rid of athlete’s foot – the basics
Intermediate defense against athlete’s foot
The final punch
Ref: U11
Contributed by