PREVIEW

Athlete's foot: Everything you need to know. Athlete’s foot can cause a range of symptoms including severe itching, blistering, cracking or peeling skin and redness. GP Dr Nisa Aslam, an adviser to the Skin Life Sciences Foundation (www.slsf.uk), has everything you need to know about the condition. What causes athlete's foot? The infection is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. ”While it gets its name because of the prevalence among athletes who share grimy changing room floors, you don't need to play a sport to get athlete's foot.” "Athlete's foot thrives in moist and warm environments, such as inside sweaty shoes and socks. It grows and survives by consuming keratin, a type of protein found in your hair, skin, and nails.” "Athlete's foot is highly contagious and able to spread to other parts of your body when it comes in contact with it.” Who can get athlete's foot? Anyone can fall victim to the itchy fungal infection. ”It is more common in those who spend lots of time barefoot in shared spaces and also in those who have broken skin, perhaps because of eczema or psoriasis.” Why is athlete's foot worse in the summer? It is common for those who wear sandals in the summer to get athlete's foot. ”Firstly, you are more likely to be walking around barefoot in shared spaces like swimming pool changing rooms and decking.” "Secondly, those who sweat more are more prone to infection and, let's be honest, we all sweat more during the summer.” How to treat athlete's foot. If you think you might have athlete's foot, it is important to treat it immediately. Dr Aslam recommends using Nystaform Cream, Nystaform HC Cream or Nystaform HC Ointment to tackle the infection. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT