HEALTH chiefs have laid out the symptoms of a common infection that you might notice when you are putting on your socks.
The HSE have warned people across the country to look for five signs of a fungal infection that commonly arises in the hotter months.
Treatments come in the form of creams, sprays and powders, with most taking a few weeks to work[/caption]
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects your feet.
It commonly arises in the hotter months when feet get sweaty and warm inside shoes.
The HSE took to social media to warm people about the early signs of the fungal infection.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, they said: “Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the feet.
“You can usually treat it with creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, but it can keep coming back.”
Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be caught from contact with other people who have the infection.
You can get it by walking barefoot where someone with athlete’s foot has walked, such as in changing rooms and showers.
People can also get it by touching your foot against the affected skin of someone with athlete’s foot.
Health bosses also explained that you’re more likely to get it if you have wet or sweaty feet, or if you have broken skin on your feet.
The main symptoms to look out for include itchy white patches between your toes.
Red, sore and flaky patches on your feet, fluid-filled blisters and skin that may crack and bleed are also symptoms of the infection.
The fungal infection can also affect the soles and the sides of feet.
HOW TO TREAT
Treatments come in the form of creams, sprays and powders, with most taking a few weeks to work.
To stop the fungal infection from coming back, it is advised to use some form of pharmacy treatment.
How to treat Athlete’s foot
There are things you can do yourself to treat athlete’s foot and stop it returning:
Do
- dry your feet after washing them, particularly between your toes
- pat your feet dry instead of rubbing them
- use a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly
- take your shoes off when at home
- wear clean socks every day – cotton socks are best
Don’t
- do not scratch affected skin – this can spread it to other warm moist areas such as your armpit
- do not walk around barefoot – wear flip-flops in places like changing rooms and showers
- do not share your towels, socks or shoes
- do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
If these treatments don’t work, or if you have diabetes or a weak immune system, it is advised that you see your GP.
In order to prevent athlete’s foot from developing, the HSE advise drying your feet after washing them – particularly between your toes.
It is also advised to use a separate towel for your feet, take your shoes off when at home, and wear clean socks every day.
Wearing flip-flops in public places, such as changing rooms and showers, can also help to reduce the chances of developing athlete’s foot.
The HSE added: “It is unlikely that athlete’s foot will get better on its own. But you do not usually need to see a GP.
“Talk to your pharmacist if you think you have athlete’s foot. They will tell you which antifungal medicine to use.
“The medicine usually takes a few weeks to work. You can keep using some medicines to stop athlete’s foot coming back.
“It is important to keep your feet clean and dry.”
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects your feet[/caption]
