Most people are aware of the term nail fungus.
This is because the infection is getting very common and people experience it at one time or the other.
Usually the infection goes away with a little treatment and care.
However, people who are already suffering from certain conditions often face difficulty in getting rid of this seemingly harmless infection.
Nail fungus is of different types and can exist in different parts of the body including the nails.
One such infection is athletes' foot.
Medically known as tinea pedis, fungus causes this infection by attacking the sole of the foot, the toenails and the area between the toenails.
Just like other fungal infections, it is highly contagious and can easily spread to other parts of your body such as hands, underarm and groin.
The condition is common in athletes and so the name 'athlete's foot'.
However, it would be wrong to say that athletes are the only ones who suffer from this infection.
Anyone with damp with and exposure to this fungus can be infected.
Fungus dwells in damp, dark and moist places.
When your feet remain damp for a long time, they become the perfect habitat for the fungi to grow.
Athletes' foot can also lead to other serious complications and the patient feels irritation, burning, itching and stinging on the sole.
The foot skin may get blisters and start peeling off.
Moreover, the nail of the foot may also get affected by this infection and detach from its origin.
Just like nail fungus or any other fungal infection, you can prevent it by keeping your feet dry and in a breathing and airy environment.
For this you need to wear shoes that allow for passage of air.
You should frequently change your socks and once you take them off, let them dry.
You should also pay attention to the space between the toes and keep them dry.
Try avoid using other people's towels, as the infection is contagious and can easily spread to others.
Do not stand barefoot in public lookers or showers and try wearing slippers or flip-flops.
Never wear sneakers or joggers for a long time.
Let your feet and shoes dry.
Another good way to kill fungus is to keep your shoes under the sun during the weekends.
This will help you in killing the fungus present in the shoes.
Wear socks that do not allow the moisture to be absorbed.
You should also discard the use of socks that trap moisture in them.
Start wearing wool or cotton socks and take them off before going to sleep.
You should avoid the use of synthetic socks, as they do not let air pass through them.
If you are an athlete, then you should buy ventilated sneakers so air keeps flowing in your shoes, keeping your feet dry.
If these measures do not help in getting rid of athlete's foot, then you should consult a physician.