The fungus among us, or at least among our feet, are nasty critters that cause the problem called athlete’s foot (technically known as Tinea pedis). The damp, dark area between toes is just heaven for these fungi, which are what cause those spots to tear, ooze, itch, burn, and just feel downright uncomfortable. The most common way to catch athlete’s foot is by walking barefoot in public showers and locker rooms. Even if you’re good about wearing sandals or flip-flops in gyms and spas, if someone in your family isn’t, it is almost a slam – dunk certainty that they will pass athlete’s foot on to other family members when they come home and walk around barefoot in the bathroom.
Nevertheless, there is a cure—it just takes persistence and reapplication (and reapplication and reapplication) of an antifungal medication even several weeks after the cracks and tears between the toes disappear. Over-the-counter products containing tolnaftate, such as Aftate or Tinactin, or products containing miconazole nitrate, such as Micatin, are sure-fire successes when used as directed and applied frequently. The other issue is moisture. Athlete’s foot fungi can’t survive without that, so you must find creative ways to keep your feet as dry as the desert. You can try Zeasorb-AF (found at most drugstores), an absorbent foot powder that can keep your feet bone dry. It also helps to wear cotton socks (nylons are out) to be sure moisture doesn’t get trapped and enhance the environment the fungi crave. Whenever possible, removes shoes and socks and go barefoot so feet are exposed to air, which keeps excess moisture away. Whichever route you take, eliminating a case of athlete’s foot requires persistence and patience.
For more information about feet or to find a podiatrist in your area, contact the American Podiatric Medical Association at (800) FOOTCARE (366-8227) or visit their Web site at www. apma. org.