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Information » Health » Health and Body Matters » Athlete's Foot

• Athlete’s foot is a continual fungal infection which grows in warm, sweaty areas of the body, such as in between your toes
  

• The fungus can spread to the toenails. Athlete’s foot makes your feet itchy, red and sore. Your feet may also smell unpleasant
  

• If athlete’s foot is not treated, the skin becomes soggy and will crack and peel. The skin may blister and become sore and could develop a more serious bacterial infection
  

• Athlete’s foot is contagious. You can pick up athlete’s foot from sharing towels and from communal, wet environments such as swimming pool changing rooms or showers.

• Always wear flip flops or plastic shoes to protect your feet

Treatments

• Applying athlete’s foot powder and anti-fungal creams (containing clotrimazole) to your feet should help
  
• If this does not help, see your doctor who may be able to prescribe you with an antifungal tablet

Prevention

• Keep your feet free from fungal infection by:
  
  • keeping your feet and shoes dry
    
  • wearing clean socks every day
    
  • not wearing shoes without socks or tights
    
  • varying the shoes you wear
    
  • wearing the correct size shoes and socks
    
  • cutting your toenails properly

If you are concerned about your feet, see your doctor who will be able to discuss the right treatment for you