Athletes Foot (Tinea Pedis) BY TILAK SHAH

ATHLETES FOOT INFO Tinea pedis is a parasitic fungal infection of the epidermis of the human foot. It is typically caused by a mold but in some cases a yeast) that grows on the surface of the skin and then into the living skin tissue itself, causing the infection. Athlete's foot causes scaling, flaking and itching of the affected skin. Blisters and cracked skin may also occur, leading to exposed raw tissue, pain, swelling and inflammation. Secondary bacterial infection can accompany the fungal infection, sometimes requiring a course of oral antibiotics

FACTS ABOUT ATHLETES FOOT It is caused by a parasitic fungus and is a communicable disease. It is typically transmitted in damp environments where people walk barefoot, such as showers and locker rooms. It can also be transmitted by sharing footwear with an unhygienic person, or less commonly, by sharing towels with an infected person. There are many ways of preventing this disease from entering your body, be careful who you share shoes with, frequent laundry, avoid sharing any of your clothes.