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Athlete's Foot
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a
fungus, usually occurring between the toes.
The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because
shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages
fungus growth.
The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming
pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for
fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used
these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became
popular.
Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot.
Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism,
reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may
mimic athlete's foot.
Symptoms
The signs of athlete's foot, singly or
combined, are dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and
blisters. Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters
break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and
swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads.
Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet
and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body,
notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection
and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's
foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may
be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of
the body. |
