What is Athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot also known as tinea pedis is contagious fungal infection on skin that usually affects feet and between the toes, it can spreads to hand also. It commonly occurs in between the toes because of sweating in shoes.

It is called as Athlete’s foot as it usually happens in athletes due to tight shoes and sweating. It is more common in men as compared to women.

How to detect Athlete’s foot?
Cracked skin
Peeling off skin
Scaly skin
Skin appears red, purple or gray also
Dry foot skin especialy on bottom that goes up the sides
Burning
Stinging sensation
Sometimes blisters

Is it contagious?
Yes, Athlete’s foot is contagious and it can spread through infected person’s clothes, shoes and even using communal washrooms or changing rooms.

How Athlete’s foot is classified?
It is divided into 4 types:
Toe web infection
It affects fourth toe or fifth toe
It causes crack on skin
Skin peel into flakes
Change of skin color occurred

Moccasin type infection:
it occurs on skin bottom, heels and feet edges.
feet soreness
Skin become thick
Crack appears

Vesicular type infection:
It affects skin bottom
Bumps on skin
Blisters

Ulcerative infection:
It occurs rarely
Ulcerative toes
feet soreness

What factors can increase the risk of Athlete’s foot?
Tight fit shoes
Walking bare foot on infected areas
sharing of infected person stuff for eg towels, mats and shoes
Excessive sweat
Communal showers

Why Athlete’s foot is complicated?
It is contagious skin infection and can spread to other parts of body. Itching and scratching can worsen the complaints.
It can also cause jock itch and other bacterial infections.

How to prevent Athlete’s Foot?
Keep your feet and toes wet, dry them completely especially after shower
Try to keep your feet open while having infection in order to prevent from sweating
Disinfected your shoes, socks, towel, clean your bedsheets and mats, it helps to spread infections to others around you.
Try to wear loose, breathable shoes.