Athlete's food: an introduction

Athlete’s Foot is caused by a fungus that attacks the sole of the foot or the skin between the toes. It is usually red, itchy, sore and very smelly. It is also highly contagious.

How to treat it

Daktarin cream is the most common form of treatment for Athlete’s Foot, although there are other alternatives. Anti-fungal talcum powder will ease the soreness but will not eradicate the problem. The cream is available over the counter at the chemists and should be used on a daily basis until the rash has disappeared and for an extra week afterwards.

The fungus can often be very hard to shake off, especially if you continue to play sport or deprive your feet of sufficient air, so treatment may take some time. However, if there is no obvious improvement after a few weeks, you should consult a specialist.

How to prevent/control it

Fungi love warm, moist areas, so feet are especially vulnerable if they are not kept clean and dry. It’s easy to forget to wash your feet properly, especially if you’re dashing in and out of the shower. The following measures should help prevent/control Athlete’s Foot:

Keep your feet as clean as possible. Wash them thoroughly when you bathe or shower. Make sure they are completely dry afterwards, especially between the toes.
Wash your towels immediately after use. This will help prevent re-infection as well as lowering the risk of spreading the fungus to somebody else's feet. Try not to step on bathmats.
Don’t wear dirty socks.
Try to avoid wearing trainers unless you are playing sport. If possible, wear a different pair of shoes each day.