Itchy Athlete’s Foot & Unsightly Nail Infections
Are fungal foot infections contagious?
At some stage anyone can get a fungal infection and have fungal nails or athletes foot. Fungal infections of the feet are very common and contagious and can take a while to eradicate completely.
The skin between the toes may become sweaty, cracked, sore and very itchy, this indicates athletes’ foot. The nails themselves can also become thick and yellow or brown in colour, the end of the nail may start to crack or crumble. This indicates a fungal infection of the nail.
You may also notice a smell even when you have washed your feet. Smelly feet are associated with fungal nails and fungal feet or athletes’ foot.
Help for fungal nails or athletes foot:
It is critical to keep feet clean and dry. Wash and dry feet thoroughly especially between the toes. Remember to change your towel daily so you do not re-infect your feet.
Clean any bathroom mats regularly and change shoes and socks. Spraying the inside of shoes with athletes foot spray can also help. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and smelly. Sweaty feet are a breeding ground for athletes’ foot. Try to wear leather not plastic shoes and do not live in trainers! - Get new slippers too and remember to wear socks.
You can self-treat with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams but remember athletes foot sprays are better between the toes than athlete foot or fungal creams. Why? Creams create a moist environment and that is just what we are trying to prevent between the toes! Foot baths can be used with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to help reduce the itching and burning of athletes’ foot. Remember to wash out your footbath and cleanse it properly – refer to the manufacturers’ instructions. |