Beating Athletes Foot

Dermatophytes are the culprits behind the foot fungus infection which is commonly known as Athletes foot. Foot fungus can cause intense itchiness which is a classic symptom seen from Athletes foot. Those affected with Athletes foot typically suffer from a flaky skin, blisters, scaly skin, intense pruritus (itch) and cracked skin. This occurs as the foot fungus invades the skin and feeds on them.

Athlete’s foot can be an irritating condition. It can even be difficult to cure once a secondary bacterial infection occurs. In advanced stages swelling, inflammation and bleeding can be present. Athletes foot can be a contagious condition only to some individuals who are more prone to get foot fungus. The susceptibility of one person to get Athletes foot is unknown but there are some people who are found to be resistant from foot fungus while others are highly susceptible to get Athletes foot.

Foot fungus thrives in a damp environment. People walking barefoot on damp areas in public shower rooms, pools and house baths can possibly get Athletes foot. This is especially significant if the foot fungus is provided with an ideal environment to thrive in a dark, moist area such as sweaty feet inside the socks and/or shoes.

But it is perhaps to the contentment of individuals with Athletes foot to know that there are several forms of treatment available for them to win their battle against Athletes foot. The treatment plan for Athletes foot is divided into two phases. The first and important phase is to keep the affected area less susceptible to harbor the growth of the foot fungus. This means to keep the infected area dry and clean.

Foot fungus grows rapidly in areas that are moist. You can prevent its further growth by wearing shoes that are made of materials that can allow your feet to breathe. Vinyl made shoes can be a perfect breeding area for the foot fungus as it does not allow the feet to breath. Likewise socks that are not made of synthetic material will not absorb moisture from the feet which encourages foot fungus to thrive.

The second phase of Athletes foot treatment consists of a more conservative treatment of creams or medication in topical forms. Powders, sprays and cream are the common forms of topical anti-fungal treatment. Active ingredients that can reduce the growth of foot fungus are clotrimazole, Lamisil, miconazole and ketoconazole which are effective anti-fungal agents.

Foot fungus that are more resistant that result to a more advanced symptoms of Athletes foot usually warrant the use of oral medications that usually use the agents of Diflucan, Sporanox and terbinafine. Herbal medicines are also available with valuable effectiveness in treating Athletes foot.

These basic treatments for Athletes foot are enough to help you win the battle against Athletes foot. You can alleviate the symptoms of foot fungus and eradicate the condition of Athletes foot by taking immediate action to provide treatment at the first signs of Athletes foot symptoms.