bjones
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Athlete’s foot is a disease of the skin, sometimes known as foot ringworm. Doctors call it tinea pedis. Ringworm, however, is not really a worm, and neither is Athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus, the same type of organism as mold and mushrooms. The name athlete’s foot developed because it was noticed that people often caught it after a trip to the gym. This is because at the gym, a large number of people shower and change clothes in a small space, many of them not wearing shoes. The athlete’s foot fungus is left behind on the floor by one person and picked up by another when they step on it. This is one reason why it is always recommended to wear sandals or flip-flops in the locker room of a gym.
The athlete’s foot fungus, once it spreads enough to take hold, causes the skin to form scales and become dry and flaky. The affected area also becomes extremely itchy, and cracks can appear in the skin. If the skin cracks, it becomes an open entry for other organisms or bacteria. Many people with athlete’s foot suffer from secondary infections because of this. If not treated, athlete’s foot can spread upward to other parts of the body, including the groin area.
Once diagnosed, athlete’s foot is easily treated by a doctor. A doctor will prescribe a topical fungicide that will kill the athlete’s foot fungus. For severe cases, the doctor may also prescribe an oral antifungal medication in pill form. Talcum powder is also recommended to be applied to the feet because the fungus needs moisture to survive, and the powder will absorb excess moisture.
 Posted 5402 day ago
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