WHAT IS ATHLETE'S FOOT, ANYWAY?

Athlete's foot is also known as ringworm of the foot or moccasin foot. It is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itch of affected areas, and sometimes leads to swelling and amputation of the foot. It is caused by fungi in the genus Trichophyton. The disease is typically transmitted in moist communal areas where people walk barefoot, such as showers or bathhouses, and requires a warm moist environment, such as the inside of a shoe, in order to incubate. The best way to prevent athlete's foot from occuring the first place is to You can prevent athlete's foot bykeeping your feet clean and dry. Also,drying between your toes after swimming or bathing.Wearing leather shoes or sandals that allow your feet to breathe are also helpful.When indoors, try to wear socks (preferrably cotton) without shoes. Be sure to change your socks twice a day.Use talcum or antifungal powder on your feetand and allow your shoes to air for at least 24 hours before you wear them again.Wearing shower sandals in public pools and showers is useful as well.