This something that a lot of us have experience of.

Athlete’s foot is a very common condition. It is caused by a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet.

Athlete’s foot is usually mild and often affects the skin in between the toes, causing it to become red, flaky and itchy and that tich cna drive you mad! The medical name for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot is usually easy to treat using antifungal medication which can be bought quite easily over the counter at the pharmacy. But if this medication does not clear the condition up, it is always best to get the diagnosis confirmed by a doctor.

Although we know that it is common, exactly how common is athlete’s foot?

Well anyone can develop athlete’s foot, but it is more common in men and teenagers. The condition is relatively rare in children under 12 years of age.
It is not fully understood why some people are more prone to developing athlete’s foot than others. However, as the name suggests, people who play a lot of sport are often affected by athlete’s foot. This is because they infection is commonly spread in places such as communal showers and changing rooms.

Sport and exercise also tend to make your feet warmer and moister than usual, which provides an ideal environment for the fungi to grow. Tight-fitting trainers can also encourage the fungi to grow.

If it is treated effectively, an athlete’s foot infection will usually only last for a few days or weeks. However, if left untreated, the condition can last for several months or, in some cases, years. If it gets a hold it can be very difficult to shift and a make life a misery. Don't let it get that far! Men please take note, we are the worse offenders, all those stinky sneakers tell a story!

Not all cases of athlete’s foot can be prevented, but practising good foot hygiene can greatly reduce your risk of developing the condition. See Preventing athlete’s foot for more information about foot hygiene. It is always a good idea to let you feet breath whenever you can, take off our shoes and even socks and let the air get to the tootsies! In summer wearing sandals is great!