(NAPSA)—While there are many skin conditions that can affect the feet, athlete’s foot is one of the most common. Athlete’s foot can be very painful and take away from a healthy, active lifestyle. However, it is relatively easy to cure, with the help of your podiatric physician. Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. The warmth and dampness of areas surrounding swimmingpools, showers and locker rooms are also a likely place to get athlete’s foot. With more people working out indoors, gym locker rooms are the primary breeding grounds for athlete’s foot. The signs of athlete’s foot are drying skin, itching, scaling, inflammation andblisters. Itching and burning mayincrease as the infection spreads. You can prevent athlete’s foot by practicing good foot hygiene. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water; drying carefully, especially between the toes; and changing shoes and hose regularly to decrease moisture. Athlete’s Foot Tips Avoid walking barefoot; use showershoes. * Change shoes and socks daily. Reduce perspiration by using taleum powder. Wearlight and airy shoes. Wear socks that keep feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily. * Visit your podiatric physician as part of your annual health checkup. If your athlete’s foot doesn’t respond to proper foot hygiene and self care, and there is no improvement within two weeks, consult your podiatrist. The podiatrist can determine a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of an antifungal medication. For more information on foot care please visit www.apma.org or call 1-800-FooTCARE (366-8227) for a free brochure.
