Athlete's Foot- Keep Those Feet Dry!

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that is readily spread in public places such as gyms, locker rooms, and beach showers. Stemming from the same fungus responsible for jock itch, athlete's foot is a common condition that affects mostly teenagers and adult males. Athlete's foot is easily treated, but has a tendency to recur if the conditions are right. Left untreated, athlete's foot can break down tissue between your toes and leave you with moist skin on your feet.

Caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, athlete's foot can occur in anyone at any age. The fungi infect the top layer of the skin, which results in lower layers to produce more skin cells than normal, which push towards the surface. The skin will turn thick and be scaly, and as the fungi spread the process repeats and the infection grows. Athlete's foot is closely related to other forms of fungal skin problems, most notably ringworm of the body, ringworm of the scalp, and jock itch. Athlete's foot thrives in a warm and moist environment, making a sweaty foot inside a shoe the ideal spot for it to live. Toes that are close together in a shoe, humid conditions, wet socks and sneakers- all of these conditions are heaven to athlete's foot fungi.