Athlete's Foot

The Condition

Athlete's foot is a commonly occurring skin fungus of the foot capable of spreading to other parts of the body, particularly the toe nails and other areas of the skin where the environment is moist. Athlete's foot is a fungus, a type of mold analogous in its organic construction to yeast and mushrooms; fungi flourish in dark, warm, moist places, and capable of surviving for up to two years.Athlete's foot will often first appear on the human foot between the toes as a red, itching patch of skin. The skin may develop a blister,leading to an increased risk of infection if the foot is not treated. In more advanced stages, athlete's foot causes a terrible, burning sensation. The condition is highly transmittable, easily spreading through contact to either other parts of the host skin, or to others who have contact with the fungal spores, often in communal showers or by the sharing of footwear.A person suffering from the persistent itch of athlete's foot will be inclined to scratch the affected area.The spores that cause the athlete's foot infection to spread readily attach beneath the fingernails of the itching person.

The specific places where the infection is most likely to spread are to the groin and the armpits, as these areas are similarly fungus friendly, as the foot. Athlete's foot has a similar biology to that of the infection known as "jock itch" (also known as tinea cruris), a fungus that will cause considerable redness and itching on the surface of the male groin.

For most athletes, the infection is an irritant, as opposed to a disabling injury. However, in most sports, any distraction caused by foot discomfort will detract from performance. Untreated, the infection will spread, first between the toes, and then to the skin on the top of each toe, with the possibility of reaching the toenail. If a toenail becomes infected the athlete will experience significantdiscomfort,and the toenail may have to be removed. As athletic shoes are designed to provide support to athletes during competition, the shoe will not alleviate the condition.Athlete's foot sufferers often find themselves in a situation where they are both distracted by the irritation and itching sensation of the foot, as well as an inability to apply full pressure of the foot during running,kicking, or jumping.

Treatment   (Click for more info)
The infection should be treated immediately with a topical, commercially available fungicide, which is designed to kill the fungal spores. In cases where the infection is resistant to these medications, more powerful pharmaceuticals may be prescribed by a doctor. As with all types of infection, the fungicide should continue to be applied after the symptoms have disappeared,to ensure that the underlying fungal spores are dead.An occurrence of athlete's foot, once successfully treated, does not create any form of permanent immunity from a later infection.

Good foot hygiene, especially with respect to limiting contacts with the skin of other persons in public changing rooms, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other potentially warm, wet environments, is critical in reducing the risk of contracting athlete's foot.An effective foot hygiene regimen will include: Daily washing of the feet with soap and hot water; careful drying of the feet with a towel, especially the spaces between the toes, to eliminate a fungal environment; wearing dry shoes and socks, selecting types that are breathable and not tight fitting; never sharing shoes or socks; using foot powders or other drying agents; wearing shower sandals or other footwear in public showers.Diabetics must take particular care with respect to the thorough treatment of athlete's foot.

Diabetes tends to weaken the human immune system, and the opening of foot sores caused by athlete's foot in an advanced stage may heighten the risk of a more serious infection entering the body through these openings.If this happens a trip to the doctor is mandatory.

Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is one of the most common fungal infections of the human beings. It can colonize one or more toenails, causing an infection.


There are several fungal species that will grow on or in the toenail, including the same species which cause fungal infections elsewhere on the body.

The fungal infection of the toenail is known as Onychomycosis. It is a chronic condition and it can be extremely difficult to treat. Normally, weeks or months are required to clear up even with extremely aggressive medication. People are prone to toenail fungus in a variety of places including moist/warm environments, locker rooms, gymnasiums, and public pools. They can also develop onychomycosis as a result of wearing shoes which do not allow the feet to breathe.

Also, walking barefoot may lead to toenail fungal infection. Sharing shoes with others who have fungal infections can also cause the infection to spread. Once the nail is infected by fungus, the nail gets thickens and will turn into white, yellow, or grayish. A sharp ridge in the nail and the nail becomes brittle or crumbly are the other textural changes that can be commonly seen. Sometimes onychomycosis can cause the loss of a toenail, which can be very painful. If it is not treated properly, it may affect the residual fungus.

As a step to treat the toenail fungal infection, antifungal medications can be applied directly to the toenail. Also, avoid using old closed toed shoes and socks. Using open toed shoes which allow plenty of light and air to circulate around the toenail is recommended.

By wearing shoes in public places like spas, swimming pools, locker rooms and public showers, people can avoid the risk of picking up toenail fungus. The best shoes to wear are those that allow plenty of air and moisture exchange. Also, make sure that their shoes fit properly.

It is perfectly safe to wear closed toed shoes. It is a good idea to always use fresh socks, and to change socks when they get dirty or moist. Using 100% wool, cotton, or silk socks are the best to wear as they absorb moisture from your feet (from sweating) and provide good ventilation. Keeping the feet clean and dry will also help reduce the risk of developing a fungal infection.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_J_Pearson

Foot Odor

When you come home after a long days work, are you embarrassed by the smell of your feet? Foot odor is normally the result of bacteria. This is an embarrassing problem that can make you want to keep your shoes on. Foot odor is a very natural and normal problem. Perspiration, dead skin cells, and bacteria will typically cause some degree of it. The good news is that there are preventative measures that can be taken to stop your feet from smelling bad.


So what can you do to prevent food odor?

The source of the problem is bacteria, and bacteria growth. There are many easy solutions to reduce the smell, by simply removing the source of the problem and preventing it from returning. The best way to do this is with better foot hygiene.

Wash your feet thoroughly. You can soak your feet for 5-10 minutes to soften the dead skin on your feet. Use an antibacterial soap and scrub all areas on your feet. Remember to get in between the toes. Dry your feet immediately after washing them. You can use a blow-dryer to finish the job, and make sure no moisture got left between your toes.

Socks and shoes

Buy cotton socks. They are soft and allow good air flow. Change your socks frequently, especially if you are exercising or your feet are perspiring. Shoes should be breathable, so wear shoes that are not plastic. Sandals and flip flops in the summer are good for giving your feet air. Try rotating your shoes regularly also. Do not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row, to allow them to dry out and cool off.

Try this too!

You can try using talcum powder to keep your toes dry by sprinkling it into your socks. This will keep your toes dryer and reduce the chance of bacterial growth. Also try Benzoyl Peroxide gel to your feet, this will decrease bacteria growth.

Many foot odor problems stem from bacterial infections like athletes foot, a type of ringworm. Solutions for such problems are available at: http://www.ringworminhumans.com

Stop bacterial infection with some of the products found here!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_D_Silver

Morton's Neuroma

Morton's Neuroma is the swelling of nerve tissue in the forefoot, or ball-of-the-foot, which can cause acute pain. Swelling from Morton's Neuroma usually occurs between the thirdand fourth toes. A neuroma is also known as a benign growth that can occur in various areas of the body, although this condition is not cancerous.

There are several factors that contribute to Morton's Neuroma. A nerve can swell often due to flat feet since the low arch causes more pressure to be placed on the forefoot, irritating and compressing nerves. Also, shoes that have high heel also have a tendency to place additional weight of the forefoot, infringing upon nerves in the metatarsal region. This is why women are more likely to develop Morton's Neuroma than men. Basically, a high heel transfers the body's weight and causes an unequal proportion to be delivered on the forefoot. Also, shoes that not only have high heels, but also tight toe boxes can also be a factor to added strain and compression in the metatarsal area.

Symptoms associated with Morton's Neuroma are regularly characterized by a dull aching or sharp pain localized in the forefoot, particularly in the area between the third and fourth toes. A burning feeling may also be present on the bottom of the foot. Pain can also branch out from the ball-of-the-foot to the toes as well. Pain usually decreases once weight is not being placed on the area.

Diagnosis for Morton's Neuroma can often involve an x-ray so that other conditions, such as fracture, can be ruled out. This imaging tool can also help to rule out pain associated to rheumatoid arthritis as well. Another imaging device, an MRI, is can also be used to make sure compression in the forefoot is not caused by a tumor.

Initial treatment of Morton's Neuroma consists of minimizing weight from the forefoot to relieve pressure from the compressed nerve. One of the first therapy methods is changing shoes that do not fit properly or have heels that are too high. A proper fitting shoe will have sufficient room in the toe box to keep toes from bunching up together. The shoe must also be able to support the arch and heel while providing ample cushioning in the forefoot. A cortisone injection may also be a treatment option, but will only deliver temporary relief from pain.

When pain from Morton's Neuroma persists after changing ill-fitting shoes, other conservative treatment options may be considered. Occasionally other devices are needed in order to help reduce any mechanical abnormalities that may have developed. Orthotic shoe inserts are often needed to help reduce stress on the forefoot. Our proven treatments are capable of increasing support around the heel and arch which can be needed to relieve weight placed on the ball-of-the-foot so that pressure on the nerves is decreased.

In some cases conservative treatment methods are not enough to relieve the symptoms of Morton's Neuroma. When this happens, surgery may be required to remove the neuroma. Surgical treatment usually involves making an incision in either the top part of the foot (dorsal) or the bottom portion of the foot (plantar). Like with any surgical procedures there are risks involved, especially considering that structures the doctor will be maneuvering around can become damaged in the process and therefore may increase recovery time. Also, after the procedure the nerve stump remains and can grow back causing the possibility of reoccurrence.

In most cases the best approach to treating Morton's Neuroma is combining a properly fitting shoe with an orthotic device such as medically proven heel pads and heel seats. These inserts are a simple, non-surgical treatment method which has had high success in treating various heel and foot pain conditions. Among heel pad and heel seat users are physicians and NBA basketball stars.