There are multiple causes of cracked heels, and one them is foot fungus. The most common fungal foot problem is known as athlete’s foot. Even though this infection can cause dry cracking skin, it needs to be treated a little differently than if you were just treating dry feet.
This article will go over the common causes of athlete’s foot, as well as tips to prevent it. We will also cover how to treat foot fungus if you already are afflicted with it.
Causes
Fungi thrives in dark, damp locations. Thus, it is usually transmitted from people to people in places like public showers or locker rooms, because people walk around barefoot. This condition will cause cracking, blistering, dryness, and flakiness of the skin. It will also feel very uncomfortable and itchy. Typically this skin condition will start between the toes. It will spread to other parts of the body though it not treated, including heels.
Prevention
- Avoid going barefoot in damp locations (public showers, locker rooms, bath houses)
- If you have to use public showers, always wear some cheap flip flops
- Make sure you are cleaning your own shower with bleach regularly
- Keep your shoes as dry as possible (check out this electric shoe dryer)
- Wear breathable shoes
- Wear cotton socks that absorb sweat
- After a shower thoroughly dry your feet. focus between toes
- Take your shoes off when in your home to air out your feet
- Change socks twice a day
- Dry your feet last so you do not spread the infection
- Do not share towels
Treatment
When treating athlete’s foot, you will need to take some of the same measures as you would when preventing it. It is important to make sure your feet and footwear is dry. Read the list of preventive measures above. Moisturizing is not a good idea when trying to fight a fungal infection, it just adds moisture and feeds the problem.
You need to take additional action to kill the fungus associated with athletes foot. There are a number of over-the-counter medications you can use to treat atheletes foot. They will usually come in gel, lotion, powder, or spray form. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging, and get it between your toes. Many people neglect to use the treatments after symptoms are gone, and then the problem can resurface. Here is a list of over-counter-treatments:
In server cases, or if the infection is not going away, you need to see a physician. They can provide you with additional information and tips to control the problem. Plus, they will likely prescribe you are more powerful anti-fungal treatment or oral antibiotics.
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