Toe Fungus and itchy feet are symptoms of athlete's foot

Article by: Jessica Martin

Athletes foot is a common toe fungus that is caused by a microscopic fungus just below the skin that flourishes in moist, dark environments with poor ventilation, like closed toed shoes for instance. This fungus of the toe usually affects the region in between the fourth and fifth toes of the foot. Athlete's foot is also referred to as tinea pedis, which in medical terms means fungus (tinea) of the foot (pedis). Although named atheletes foot, this toe and foot fungus does not just affect athletes. Unfortunately for people who contract this uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition, the athlete's foot fungus is easily transmitted through contact with a cut or abrasion in the foot region. Public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools are prime places in which to contract this foot fungus. Common symptoms of athletes foot include itchy skin on the feet. Eventually as the condition progresses, the itchy skin becomes inflamed, cracked, sensitive to the touch, and the skin in that region peels away and sometimes blisters. 

Foot Fungus treatment includes effective skin care routines:

The most effective cure for athelete's foot is prevention. Ways in which to prevent acquiring the athletes foot fungus is through good personal hygiene, as well as maintaining proper skin care of the foot region. Proper skin care for the foot region to prevent athlete's foot includes:

• Changing damp socks regularly
• Keeping the feet dry
• Avoiding tight shoes
• Airing out shoes regularly (preferably in natural sunlight)
• Wearing cotton, wool, or silk (non-synthetic) socks
• Wearing open toed sandals during warm weather and in public showers and swimming pools

Over the counter antifungal topical creams can also be effective in curing athlete's foot. However proper skin care and hygiene are the best preventive cures for the athlete's foot fungal infection.