Symptoms:
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in damp sweaty places, like between your toes. Symptoms include itching, stinging and burning between your toes; itching, stinging and burning on the soles of your feet; itchy blisters; cracking and peeling skin on your feet;
extremely dry skin on the bottoms or sides of your feet.
Causes:
Athlete's foot is caused by a group of mold-like fungi. The fungi grow best in warm, moist areas, such as the area between the toes. You can get athlete's foot by touching the affected area on another person. More often, you can pick it up from damp, contaminated surfaces, such as a locker room floor.
Prevention:
Wear flip-flops when you're in public wet areas, such as a gym locker room. Always wash and dry between your toes and make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on your socks. Wear non-cotton socks that will wick away the moisture from your feet and keep them dry. Consider rotating two pairs of running shoes so your shoes have time to dry out. You can also use an antifungal powder daily.
Treatment:
Wash and dry the affected area. Then, apply a thin layer of an over-the-counter antifungal product, such as Lamisil, once or twice a day for at least two weeks, or according to package directions. Consult a doctor if it doesn't clear up after four weeks. You may need a prescription-strength topical or oral medication.
