·	fungi preferring soil (geophile)

·	fungi preferring animals (zoophile)

·	and fungi preferring humans (anthropophile).

·	A red itchy rash in the spaces between the toes (often between the 4th and 5th toes initially) and possibly small pustules.

·	Often a small degree of scaling.

·	The infection can spread to the rest of the foot and other parts of the body.

·	The skin reddens and its furrows become marked, resembling chalked lines.

·	If the condition is not treated, a similar rash may appear on one or both palms.

·	After a while, the rash becomes scaly, resembling eczema.

·	Young people, especially if they wear trainers.

·

Athletes.

·	People who are forced to wear tight-fitting rubber footwear because of their job.

·	Wash the feet every day and allow them to dry properly before putting on shoes and socks. You should use a separate towel to dry your feet. To avoid passing the infection on you should not share these towels with anyone else.

·	Wear socks made of cotton or wool, and change them at least twice a day or when they have become damp.

·	Avoid wearing shoes which are made of synthetic materials. Wear sandals or leather shoes instead.

·	Powder the feet and the inside of the shoes with an antifungal powder.

·	The diagnosis can usually be made on the basis of the appearance of the foot.

·	The doctor may take a scrape for microscopy and culture.

·	The condition can sometimes disappear simply through being exposed to fresh air, but medical treatment is usually required.

·	An infection of the foot may be accompanied by an infection of the nails.

·

Athlete's foot can be treated locally with antifungal creams, sprays, liquids and powders that are available from pharmacists without a prescription. Imidazole antifungals are most effective and include clotrimazole (eg Canesten AF) and miconazole (eg Daktarin). Other antifungals include zinc undecenoate (Mycota), terbinafine (Lamisil AT) and tolnaftate (Mycil).

·	Treatment should be continued for two weeks after the symptoms have disappeared to ensure the infection has been treated effectively.

·

Some antifungal creams also contain hydrocortisone, eg Daktacort HC. These are useful when the skin is particularly red and inflamed, as the hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and irritation. They should not be used for longer than seven days. They are not suitable for children under 10 or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless prescribed by a doctor. After seven days, treatment should be continued with a plain antifungal.

·	If the athlete’s foot has not started to respond after two weeks' antifungal treatment you should see your doctor, who may prescribe a stronger antifungal cream or antifungal tablets.