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- $Unique_ID{BRK00794}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{How Do You Get Athlete's Foot and How Do You Prevent It?}
- $Subject{athlete's foot fungal infection Infections fungus fungi cracking skin
- scales blisters bathed daily dried feet powder spray ointment antifungal
- agent}
- $Volume{A-20}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- How Do You Get Athlete's Foot and How Do You Prevent It?
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- QUESTION: How do you get Athlete's foot and how do you prevent it? I've had
- several bouts with it although I would hardly call myself an athlete.
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- ANSWER: You certainly don't have to be an athlete to get the condition known
- as Athlete's Foot. This annoying ailment has been so named because athlete's
- foot fungus grows very well on feet that are perspiring and are in a warm,
- dark and humid environment. The typical athlete works in shoes that provide
- those exact conditions. Factory workers, business executives, salesmen, and
- students are just a few of the groups of people who commonly get Athlete's
- Foot.
- The wearing of shoes creates perfect conditions for the microscopic fungi
- to grow and multiply. When the fungus grows, it may cause cracking skin
- between the toes, scales, blisters or other foot problems. Strict attention
- to foot hygiene, though, can help prevent Athlete's Foot. Feet should be
- bathed daily and completely dried before shoes and socks are put on. Those
- prone to the problem should change their shoes, and particularly their socks,
- often. They should also use a foot powder, spray or ointment that contains an
- antifungal agent on a daily basis. Doctors suggest patients who have had
- Athlete's Foot wear absorbent socks made of natural materials. Nylons and
- shoes made of synthetic materials do not breathe and can become an incubator
- for the Athlete's Foot fungus.
- If prevention alone can't solve your problem, there are a number of
- medications, both over the counter and by prescription that can help remedy
- your problem, but then it's time to get some personal professional advice.
- Early treatment means an early cure, and an end to the problem.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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