Health and Wellness Review

Fungal infections are unpleasant, easy to avoid

The most common of all fungal skin infections, athlete’s foot causes an uncomfortable rash. The fungus grows best in warm, moist environments – like in between toes, in sweaty socks or on shower floors. The fungus is highly contagious and is most often picked up by walking barefoot.

Some people, especially those who have had it in the past, are especially susceptible to athlete’s foot. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. There are three types of athlete’s foot:

• Toe web infection: the skin becomes scaly and cracked in between toes, usually the fourth and fifth toes.
• Moccasin-type infection: thick, cracked skin on the heel or sole, sometimes including infection of the toenails.
• Vesicular infection: a sudden outbreak of large fluid-filled blisters anywhere on the foot but most often on the instep.

You can use over-the-counter topical medications to treat your athlete’s foot infection, but it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor, especially if it’s your first infection or it’s not responding to treatment. Take the full course of antifungal medication to ensure your infection won’t come back, and protect yourself from future infections by keeping your feet dry, wearing shoes that let them breathe, and wearing sandals on wet floors.

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