Foot fungus is more popularly known as athlete’s foot. It’s the skin infection caused by the fungus, Trichophyton, which dwells on your foot. Fungus comes in when your foot continues to be moist, warm, and irritated.

Also called the tinea pedis, can be found on floors, clothing and most especially socks. Without the warm and moist conditions, the fungus cannot survive, thus causing no infection.

Frequent visits to public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools can contribute to acquiring this fungal infection. Hygiene is always a number prevention in counteracting athlete’s foot.

Foot Fungus, Athlete's Foot: Signs and Symptoms

Severe itching and skin burning are the distinct characteristics of foot fungus. In severe cases, peeling and cracking may result from the infection. Afterwards, pain and eventually bleeding may follow.

Not only will you have problems due to fungus, but you also might have greater risks for bacterial infections. Cellulitis or the bacterial skin infection and inflammation, is one complication that may arise for fungi skin condition. This will likely occur in elderly individuals whose immune systems are weak.

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Foot Fungus, Athlete's Foot: Treatment

Common foot fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or gels. The effectiveness of these topical medications is usually seen in a few weeks time. Although the fungi itself may not die and may eventually recur, keeping the feet clean and dry can help minimize the infections and symptoms.

The choice of footwear is also very important in preventing fungal infections. As much as possible buy leather shoes or any kind which has a breathing material. This is to keep air circulating around your feet and preventing moisture in effect. Absorbent socks such as those made from cotton are helpful in keeping sweat away from your foot.

Powders with active ingredients like miconazole or tolnaftate can keep your feet dry. A drying compound of aluminum acetate can also contribute in keeping your feet free from fungi.

Foot Fungus, Athlete's Foot: Causes

What causes athletes foot?. Athlete's foot was not considered common with humans until humans began wearing shoes. Athletes foot or foot fungus is now common in both teenagers and adults.

Most cases of athletes foot fungus is caused by a fungal infection known as a dermatophyte. First, a person comes in contact with an infected person, usually via shoes, socks or other infected apparel. Second, the fungal infection grows from a moist, warm environment like locker room floors, showers, swimming pools or whirlpools. Third, the fungal infection continues to grow or spread on the human body in moist, warm locations like feet and groins.

Foot fungus spread occurs as fungus spores multiply from the warm, moist environment created by socks and shoes. Killing foot fungus requires strong potent anti-fungal products that kill fungus on contact. Most over-the-counter products found in drug stores do not work. Many prescribed medications also do not work well.