What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot (the medical term is tinea pedis) is not something that only athletes can get. It is, in fact, a very common fungal infection which generally occurs between your toes and is extremely contagious. You can get athlete's foot just by using a communal changing room or even sharing a towel. If left untreated the condition can spread to the soles and sides of the foot and to the toenails. Athlete's foot may be further complicated by a bacterial infection, accompanied by an unpleasant smell.

Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot often include:

• Cracking and peeling of skin between the toes
• Inflammation
• Areas of white, dead skin
• Moistness or blistering
• Itching or soreness

What causes athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot caused usually by one of 3 different types of fungi. As it is not usually known which of these fungi has caused your athlete's foot.

When and how should I treat athlete's foot?

You should treat athlete's foot as soon as you notice the first signs of infection. The skin often becomes inflamed and itchy with areas of ‘dead skin', moistness or blistering and cracking or peeling. It is important to treat the infected area quickly and thoroughly. A wide range of anti-fungal sprays, creams and powders are availble in the medical stores that can be used to treat athlete's foot.

How can I prevent athlete's foot from re-infection?

Even if you've got rid of your athlete's foot, it is very easy to re-infect yourself. It is important to remember that the fungi that cause athlete's foot thrive in warm, moist conditions. Therefore, it is important to dry thoroughly after bathing, particularly between your toes. The fungi can live in your shoes, socks and on your towels if you don't change them regularly enough. You should wear good quality cotton socks that allow your feet to breath and make sure you wash them at 60°C to destroy fungal spores.

What is sweat rash?

Sweat rash is a red, itchy rash on the skin. Anyone can get sweat rash. Not surprisingly, the rash is linked to sweating! Therefore, people who sweat more have an increased chance of getting sweat rash. Such people include those who play a lot of sport and those who are overweight. It usually happens where chafing occurs or when sweat gets trapped between two layers of touching skin or between skin and clothes.

Areas that are usually affected include the armpits, under breasts, around the groin and between the legs and the arms. Along with the redness and irritation of the chafing, the rash may also become infected, increasing the problem.

What causes infected sweat rash?

Hot and sweaty skin can become inflamed, especially where skin rubs together or where clothes chafe against the skin. In addition, the fungi and bacteria that are always present on our bodies, can quickly infect irritated skin, making the rash and chaffing worse. This is called infected sweat rash.