How many times have you seen the commercials with the fit, good-looking guy promoting the latest product for treating Athlete’s Foot? This skin condition is well known, but the name can be misleading. Unfortunately, most commercials that address Athlete’s Foot don’t portray the people who actually suffer from it. Athlete’s Foot doesn’t just seek out jocks in the sports world.

Surprisingly, anybody can get Athlete’s Foot. Each day people put themselves in situations where they can contract Athlete’s Foot, but because there isn’t a lot of information about prevention, most people who have it don’t realize it and furthermore, don’t seek proper treatment.

Athlete’s Foot is actually an infection caused by a fungus. Once your feet have been infected, you’ll experience a range of common symptoms: burning, severe itching, cracking, bleeding skin and inflammation. There are treatments for this condition that include special creams, medicated ointments, antibiotics and oral medication that can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor. The fungus that causes Athlete’s Foot, called tinea pedis, lives in warm and damp places. Public bathrooms, lockers, and showers are common places where this fungus can be found. Even puddles, damp socks, shoes and floors can be breeding grounds for this fungus.

The easiest way to prevent Athlete’s Foot is to practice good foot care. Always keep your feet clean at all times and dry your feet thoroughly after getting out of the shower or bath. Foot care products are available at your local drugstore and with daily use, fungus and other harmful bacteria will be kept at bay. When you feel like your feet are sweaty or damp, wash them right away and be sure to clean in between the toes, as this is the most common place where Athlete’s Foot develops. Because fungus can live in your socks, practice changing your socks often, especially if they become damp when your feet sweat. Always make sure you’re wearing dry, clean socks or go without them to allow your feet to breathe. Special socks that are made of breathable and absorbent material can be purchased at the store as well. Wearing different types of shoes can also help prevent Athlete’s Foot. Switch out your sneakers for sandals, flip-flops and other open-toed shoes. Because tina pedis thrives in damp environments, keeping your feet out in the open kills any chance the fungus has to survive.

To keep yourself safe from Athlete’s Foot be mindful of your surroundings. If you’re a member at a gym, your feet come into contact with plenty of places where Athlete’s Foot waits to strike. Anytime you plan on being in a public restroom, pool or locker room, always wear sandals - even in the shower. With good foot care practices, your feet will never have to suffer from Athlete’s Foot.

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