Athlete's foot affects women too

Superficial fungal infections are among the world's most common diseases. This fungal infection can actually affect everyone. Sportspeople, office workers, older people, children, men and women can all be affected. Athlete's foot is a very common problem experienced by up to 70% of the population at some time in their lives.

While athlete's foot is more common in males, it still does affect women. In fact, a large population-based study conducted in 16 European countries, the results of which were published in 2003, reinforced the fact that more males than females have fungal foot disease. The greater prevalence of athlete's foot in men is thought to results from a higher use of common showers by men after participation in sports or working in heavy industries. This study found more men than women participated in sports.

Many women, however, make use of public showers and public swimming pools or have family members who might have the fungus, making them susceptible. While no statistics are available in South Africa, around 15% of the adult population in the United Kingdom has some form of athlete's foot at any one time, with women making up just under half of them.

Athlete's foot can be picked up by walking barefoot in communal areas that are warm and humid, such as changing rooms and around a swimming pool. Sweaty feet, tight shoes and socks and not drying one's feet well after swimming, bathing or exercising all contribute to the development of athlete's foot. Besides the discomfort of the condition, untreated athlete's foot can play havoc with the look and feel of your feet.

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, particularly affects the skin between the toes. The condition can be caused by several types of fungi that thrive in warm, humid conditions. A foot inside a shoe is the perfect breeding ground for the fungus.

People who suffer from athlete's foot experience itchiness in the affected areas, often in between the toes. There may be redness and tenderness in those areas as well as cracking of the skin. Athlete's foot may also cause the skin to break, resulting in blisters.

In cases that are not treated early, people with athlete's foot may also develop yellowed and thick toenails because of the spread of the fungi. Toenail infections cause scaling, crumbling, thickening and even partial loss of the nails.

Despite the availability of effective treatments, knowledge of the prevalence of foot diseases such as athlete's foot and the associated risk factors in the general population is limited in South Africa.

Sufferers of athlete's foot generally respond well to topical antifungal therapy. A treatment recently launched in South Africa has been proven to be extremely successful as a rapid solution to athlete's foot with a short duration of treatment. Lamisil® Film Forming Solution™ is the only single dose treatment available against athlete's foot. One application is all that is required, because it starts working within 30 minutes and stays in the skin for 13 days.

To prevent this infection from occurring or recurring once successfully treated:
Wash your feet at least once a day, more frequently if they become sweaty
Dry them thoroughly between the toes
Avoid tight footwear, especially in the summer. Sandals and “flip-flops” are the best warm weather footwear
Wear cotton or synthetic running socks which absorb sweat and change your socks daily or more frequently if they become damp
At home, it may help to wear open - toed shoes or go barefoot

Lamisil® Film Forming Solution™ has a non greasy dependable action which allows people to enjoy their lives more fully and remove the shame of having athlete's foot. Speak to your pharmacist about this convenient and effective treatment, available over the counter at pharmacies countrywide.