Can only athletes get athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a skin condition of the foot and is common among athletes, but anyone can get it.

Athlete's foot is an infection of the foot caused by a fungus. Growth is promoted by heat and humidity. Warm weather and wearing closed shoes promotes infection. But you can also contract the infection in places where many people walk around barefoot, such as gyms and swimming pools.

The first sign is a flaking between the toes that can later spread to the sole of the foot and the edge of the foot. Later, gaps may appear between the toes.

As a treatment, the feet should initially be washed regularly with disinfectant soap. If that is not sufficient, the doctor will prescribe an antifungal medicine that is applied to the foot.

You can prevent athlete's feet by carefully drying the feet and toes before putting on stockings and shoes. Preferably wear ventilated shoes and not synthetic stockings.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024