For people who suffer from a skin condition like athlete's foot, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing the nasty remnants of the infection on your skin so you don't talk about the itching and the bad smell it brings. Characterized by itching and a burning sensation in the feet, athlete's foot can also cause peeling skin, cracking, and extreme pain along with bleeding or redness on the soles of the feet. Athlete's foot usually occurs when the feet or other areas of the body remain moist and warm and eventually become irritated with fungus. This skin disease can also be contracted when a person comes into direct contact with objects or people infected with the fungus. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay When prevention becomes the ultimate solution Tinea pedis or athlete's foot is considered a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. A foot skin infection caused by a fungus known as "trichophyton," athlete's foot, can be a serious skin condition if not treated and prevented early. It is best to visit a dermatologist or podiatrist to treat the problem before it gets worse. If your doctor recommends using medications, whether topical or oral, be sure to educate yourself on proper prevention of athlete's foot to keep it away. from being recurring. These simple rules of good hygiene can keep you away from the persistent fungi that cause athlete's foot: Keep in mind the importance of washing. Washing your feet often with soap and water and drying them properly, especially the membranes of your toes, can eliminate warm, moist areas where fungus thrives. Avoid wearing footwear such as shoes, socks, slippers or towels owned by another person. To avoid spreading the infection, do not wear someone else's footwear, especially if the person already suffers from athlete's foot. Choose shoes made from natural materials such as leather. Whenever possible, do not wear footwear made of synthetic materials such as rubber shoes on a daily basis because they suffocate your feet. Wear footwear that allows air circulation. Keep your footwear properly ventilated by exposing it to the air for at least a day before using it again. Opt for open shoes or sandals especially during hot or humid weather. Tight footwear is a major cause of athlete's foot, so be sure to allow your feet to breathe. Wear rubber sandals or rock shoes when using public showers or changing rooms to avoid becoming infected with the fungus. Be meticulous with your socks. Make sure you always wear clean, dry socks. If possible, choose white cotton or acrylic socks so they can absorb extra moisture from your feet. If you're prone to sweating, be sure to bring a spare pair of clean socks so you can change wet feet. Do not wear colored shoes to avoid irritation caused by dyes. Use shoes alternately. Whenever possible, avoid wearing the same pair every day, especially if you work out at the gym. Use antifungal foot products such as powders and sprays to absorb excess sweat from your feet. These can also help eliminate fungus and bacteria from your feet. Keep bathroom and shower floors clean and disinfected at all times.