Athlete's Foot

Athlete's Foot isn't as scary as it sounds, unless you've had it! But don't worry, we have ways to let you know if you have it, effective ways to get rid of it, and prevent it!

Symptoms

Athlete's foot, or Tinea Pedis, causes a scaly, red rash and blisters that ooze and get crusty, according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information. This rash is very itchy and very contagious. If it is left untreated, the rash can spread to other parts of the body and destroy the nail plate, according to the Mayo Clinic. Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that grows between toes and on the side of the foot. It may spread by the contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body, so make sure you wash all of your items before you use them again, said by American Podiatric Medical Association. 

Prevention
  According to WebMD, here are some things you should do to help your athlete's foot:

  • Keep feet clean and dry

  • Wash feet at least twice a day

  • Wear cotton socks

  • Wear sandals or flip flops

  • It can be helpful to wear different shoes each day

  • If it does not get any better in 2-4 weeks, visit the doctor

  • No plastic-lined shoes  
Treatment

For treatment of athlete's foot, make sure you tell your doctor immediately. If you have mild athlete's foot, your doctor will tell you to get an over-the-counter antifungal ointment. If this doesn't respond, your doctor will give you a prescription strength medication. According to Mayo Clinic, severe infections may require anti-fungal pills.

Fungus

According to WebMD, the fungus that causes athlete's foot lives on a dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. The most common fungus that causes athlete's foot is called Trichinosis Rubrum.

Also said by WebMD, there are three types of athlete's foot. One type is Interdigital, which is the most common kind of athlete's foot. It usually occurs between the two smallest toes. Moccasin is another type of athlete's foot. Moccasin begins with irritation, dryness, itching, or scaly skin. In addition to Interdigital and Moccasin, Vesicular is another type of athlete's foot. Vesicular is the least common type of athlete's foot, unlike Interdigital, which is the most common kind of athlete's foot.

White Blood Cells

While athlete's foot is a fungus and fungus eats cells, the white blood cells can fight the fungus and help you get rid of your athlete's foot, according to Medicine News Today.                                                                                                              

Antifungal ointment can help get rid of your athlete's foot!