Fighting Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot usually occurs between the toes and can cause the skin to become itchy and sore and may cause it to become cracked and peel.

It’s estimated that at any one time about one in seven adults is affected by athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus which is attracted to warm damp spaces – which is why it most commonly affects the feet as your shoes are the perfect place for the fungus to grow. The fungus can be picked up from a swimming pool, changing rooms, showers and saunas. Antifungal treatments are the best way to treat athlete’s foot and your pharmacist will be able to advise you on the different creams, powders and sprays you can use.

To avoid the condition try not to walk barefoot in public changing rooms. Make sure you wash and dry your feet each day, especially between your toes, and make sure you change your shoes and socks often. You may want to think about using talcum powder to help keep your feet dry. Athlete’s foot is very contagious and can spread to other parts of your body, for example some people develop a fungal infection of the toe nails.

Make sure you do not share shoes. Use your own towel and keep it separate from others.