Are You Likely to Develop Athlete’s Foot?

You must have heard of the condition called ‘athlete’s foot’. This is caused by a fungal infection and is characterized by itchiness, scaling and flaking of the affected area. Sweaty foot, wet shoes and socks are favored by the fungi for breeding. Although athletes are more likely to develop this condition it can affect common people as well. The real danger lies in the fact that the fungi spores can lie dormant for months before infecting the unsuspecting victim.

Risk Factors:-
If you have already contracted athlete’s foot once then you are susceptible to infection again and again. It is necessary for you to maintain proper hygiene of the feet at all times if you want to avoid the infection.

Be careful of using common facilities particularly if you are an athlete or student. Washing your feet with a mild disinfectant may help you considerably. Take care to dry your feet properly before you pull on your socks. Drying between the toes is very important too.

Avoid walking bare foot in hotel rooms, bathrooms or swimming pool area. You may unwittingly allow the spores to invade your feet.

Your footwear should be light and comfortable. Wearing airtight or watertight shoes will only enhance your chances of getting infected.

You are susceptible to the infection if your skin produces less fatty acid. The fattyacid present in our body help to ward off athlete’s foot.

You are more likely to catch the infection if you suffer from sweaty feet. It is wise to keep your feet dry and clean at all times. Liberal sprinkling of talcum powder on your feet may help to arrest the sweat considerably.

Immunity deficiencies coupled with poor blood circulation to your feet may be one of the prime reasons for athlete’s foot.

Diabetics are at a risk for contracting the infection. Be careful to keep your diabetes under control in order to avoid the various complications of the disease.