The common infection you might notice when you're putting on your socks – five symptoms and how to treat
The
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Treatments come in the form of creams, sprays and powders, with most taking a few weeks to work
Credit: Getty
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects your feet.
It commonly arises in the hotter months when feet get sweaty and warm inside shoes.
The HSE took to
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"You can usually treat it with creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, but it can keep coming back."
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be caught from contact with other people who have the infection.
You can get it by walking barefoot where someone with athlete's foot has walked, such as in changing rooms and showers.
People can also get it by touching your foot against the affected skin of someone with athlete's foot.
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The main symptoms to look out for include itchy white patches between your toes.
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Red, sore and flaky patches on your feet, fluid-filled blisters and skin that may crack and bleed are also symptoms of the infection.
The fungal infection can also affect the soles and the sides of feet.
HOW TO TREAT
Treatments come in the form of creams, sprays and powders, with most taking a few weeks to work.
To stop the fungal infection from coming back, it is advised to use some form of pharmacy treatment.
How to treat Athlete's foot
There are things you can do yourself to treat athlete's foot and stop it returning:
Do
dry your feet after washing them, particularly between your toes
pat your feet dry instead of rubbing them
use a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly
take your shoes off when at home
wear clean socks every day - cotton socks are best
Don't
do not scratch affected skin - this can spread it to other warm moist areas such as your armpit
do not walk around barefoot - wear flip-flops in places like changing rooms and showers
do not share your towels, socks or shoes
do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
If these treatments don't work, or if you have diabetes or a weak immune system, it is advised that you see your GP.
In order to prevent athlete's foot from developing, the
It is also advised to use a separate towel for your feet, take your shoes off when at home, and wear clean socks every day.
Wearing flip-flops in public places, such as changing rooms and showers, can also help to reduce the chances of developing athlete's foot.
The HSE added: "It is unlikely that athlete's foot will get better on its own. But you do not usually need to see a GP.
"Talk to your pharmacist if you think you have athlete's foot. They will tell you which antifungal medicine to use.
"The medicine usually takes a few weeks to work. You can keep using some medicines to stop athlete's foot coming back.
"It is important to keep your feet clean and dry."
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Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects your feet
Credit: Getty
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