Young Wrexham

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a continual fungal infection, which grows in warm, sweaty areas of the body, such as in between your toes.

The fungus can spread to the toenails. Athlete’s foot makes your feet itchy, red and sore. Your feet may also smell unpleasant.

If athlete’s foot is not treated, the skin becomes soggy and will crack and peel. The skin may blister and become sore and could develop a more serious bacterial infection.

Athlete’s foot is contagious. You can pick up athlete’s foot from sharing towels and from communal, wet environments such as swimming pool changing rooms or showers. Always wear flip-flops or plastic shoes to protect your feet.

Treatments:

• Applying athlete’s foot powder and anti-fungal creams (containing clotrimazole) to your feet should help
• If this does not help, see your doctor who may be able to prescribe you with an antifungal tablet

Prevention

Keep your feet free from fungal infection by:

• Keeping your feet and shoes dry
• Wearing clean socks every day
• Not wearing shoes without socks or tights
• Varying the shoes you wear
• Wearing the correct size shoes and socks
• Cutting your toenails properly

If you are concerned about your feet, see your doctor who will be able to discuss the right treatment for you.