ATHLETES FOOT a Fungus  -  Diseases caused by fungi and parasites are relatively uncommon in developed countries. Fungal infections, also known as mycotic infections, may affect the skin surfaces or the internal organs of the body. The superficial mycotic infections are generally not serious and include such well-known disorders as Athlete's Foot or less commonly know - Tinea Pedis, caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton. Deep mycotic infections such as histoplasmosis and candidiasis are potentially life-threatening.

Other parasites that attack humans range in size from unicellular organisms such as Entamoeba histolytica to such multicellular forms as tapeworms and roundworms. Most parasitic infestations are encountered in the less-developed areas of the world where sanitation is not optimal. Indeed, parasitic infestations constitute major causes of death in regions of Central and South America, Africa, India, and Asia. 

The Genus Tinea  - Basics information on Tineal Infections

Tinea  -  tih-nee-uh,   is the medical / Latin name for a category of related fungal skin infections that disturb nails, the scalp, and any area of the skin where this parasite can take hold. This includes Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm, which is a fungus, not a worm. 

These infections or conditions are caused by several types of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes,  that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. 

 Athlete's Foot 

  Tinea Pedis   

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What is Athlete's Foot ?

Athlete's Foot is a skin condition caused by a fungus, that typically occurs between the toes. The term Athlete's Foot is an extremely misleading term, as this condition does not only occur in athletes, and in reality actually occurs less in athletes, than in the general public. A true athlete would look after the tools of their trade, and any skin problem would not be avoided and soon investigated. It was athletes, hence the name, who were concerned with this condition, that first brought it to the attention of the medical fraternity. 

The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, gyms, and locker rooms, are a breeding ground for this fungi and often frequented by athletes. The general public, particularly men, would ignore this problem and still do, carrying the fungus with them throughout life, innocently passing it on to members of their family, and or swimming / sports clubs. 

So Athlete's Foot is just a common name given to a fungus infection of the skin, that predominately occurs in between toes, but can actually occur anywhere on the foot and other parts of the body.

If left untreated the condition can sometimes get much worse and spread to other areas of the foot, hands and can even affect the face.

Influencing different people in different ways, this condition can be a small inconvenience, for the man who only looks at his feet at Easter, or it can cause a great deal of discomfort, and can affect an individual's quality of life. The infected skin can become reddened, swollen and may even contain a sticky fluid, as a result of the the parasitic fungus living off our bodies.

Patients may also experience a scaly dry rash on the bottom and sides of feet. This type of athlete's foot is called a moccasin-pattern. Cracks or fissures can occur between the toes, along with a soft white scaling.

 Symptoms also include dry and itchy lesions. Patients often report a discomfort with a burning or stinging sensation. But for many, skin loss between the toes is the only symptom.

Another associated condition with Athletes Foot is fungal nail infection, caused by a similar fugal microbe - Tinea Unguium.

If Athletes Foot,  is not treated the lesions can become infected with bacteria, and extremely painful.

Your feet are the body part the furthest away from you and sometimes get the least attention and grooming. This foot has been neglected and a myriad of fungal and bacterial disorders are flourishing unchecked.

This foot fungus most commonly attacks the feet, because this particular fungus has evolved to prefer this area of the body. Once caught, always from another person, via a changing room floor, shared socks and or shoes, the fungus finds itself right at home.

Socks and shoes generally create a warm, dark, and sweaty humid environment, which can only encourages fungus growth. People with excessively sweaty feet are more prone to this condition. 

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  TREATMENT OF ATHLETES FOOT 

• This page offers several free Ads to gain more knowledge on cures.

• Anti-fungal powders can be used in socks and shoes.

• Creams and sprays can also be used, but sometimes a product of quite high strength is required. 

• ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

• Look around for recommended safe products, preferably NON-TOXIC.

• Ask your parents what home remedies they might have used.

• Ask friends and family, what experiences they have had.

• Diabetic patients should not try and treat this condition themselves, they should seek immediate professional advice.

• Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture.

• Dry the feet thoroughly after bathing especially in between the toes.

• Do NOT share towels & flannels.

• Treat excessively sweaty feet.

•  Look after your feet.

• Change socks daily.

SWEATY FEET

Also, if you are having problems with any skin complaints always use 'soap' made of Pure Ingredients. Pure ingredients are natural ingredients, made or grown by nature. This may be more expensive but cheap soap contains a lot of manmade stuff, chemicals, that do not agree with a particular minority of people. 

For children if you can afford it, always use pure ingredients, like glycerine, natural oils, rosemary, cedar and thyme. Use soap that use a natural forming agent; saponifying has been used for hundreds of years.

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Don't Panic !!!!

There is no shame in catching any parasite, but they all tend to populate quickly so prevention, or quick action, is better than the cure.

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