What is athlete's foot?
It’s a fungal infection that mainly affects hairless (glabrous) areas of the body, such as the feet.
Why is it called like that?
It particularly affects athletes due to certain recurring habits that can promote the growth of the fungus. In fact, it finds ideal breeding grounds in warm and humid environments such as locker rooms and gyms. These infections typically develop on the soles of the feet or between the toes, where sweat and moisture are more common, also due to poorly breathable footwear.
How does it look like?
The affected areas are often reddened, cracked, and may show thickening, sometimes associated with itching and unpleasant odor.
Athlete's foot prevention tips
- Try to wear breathable shoes that aren’t too tight.
- Wear cotton socks or other plant-based fiber socks.
- Dry your feet well after showering, paying special attention to pat dry between the toes
- Don’t walk barefoot in locker rooms and showers
Treatment Options
Treatment involves topical application of antifungal creams or powders, while also remembering to treat shoes and socks with specific products and high-temperature washing. If the treatment proves ineffective, oral therapy can be evaluated with your doctor.
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