Even if you’re not an athlete, you can still have athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is usually characterised by an unbearable itch in the moist crevices between your toes, cracked and peeling skin, or both.
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection, which typically needs a warm and moist environment to flourish. The fungus is often found on the floors of locker rooms, public showers and at swimming pools. This is why it is advisable to wear rubber flip-flops in public bathrooms. Athlete’s foot can also be contracted by sharing shoes with an infected person.
Applying tea tree oil on the affected area will soothe the skin and get rid of the bacteria. Anti-fungal lotions and powders will also help.
To keep athlete’s foot at bay, practice these good habits:
- Keep your feet dry and clean
- Alternate your footwear to avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row
- Wear clean and dry socks
- Go barefoot whenever possible to air your feet
