Although your feet are trapped in shoes and socks all day, they can become damp and smelly. They are also prone to infections like athlete's foot, which doesn't just affect athletes as its name suggests. Anyone can get athlete's foot if they're not careful, but this has nothing to do with hygiene. People who wash their feet every day can still contract the infection, and those who do contract the infection appear predisposed to become infected in the future. Definition and Facts Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection. It usually starts between the toes as a scaly rash that stings or burns as well as being incredibly itchy. There are three different types of fungal infections that can invade the feet. They are a web, moccasin or vesicular infection. Each infection affects a different area of ​​the foot. Athlete's foot is a close relative of itch and ringworm. It can spread to other areas of the body through contact. Symptoms and Complaints A web infection of the fingers can occur between the fifth and fourth toes. The skin cracks and peels and may deteriorate due to bacterial infections. Moccasin infection starts with a sore foot. It may progress to the ball of the foot or heel, becoming thick and cracked. With some infections such as moccasin infection, it may appear that the skin is simply dry instead of being a fungal infection. In a moccasin-type infection, the toenails can become infected and cause them to thicken. The third and final type of infection is vesicular. This infection may appear as blisters under the skin. Although they can appear anywhere on the foot, they are commonly found on the ball of the foot. With the vesicular type infection, the vesicles can progress to become a bacterial infection… middle of the paper… and if it lasts for the entire period of time, the fungal infection may return. Although reinfection is common, treatment for the entire period of time will reduce the risk. For athlete's foot, like the blister-type infection, the person may need to take an antibiotic for treatment. Prevention and Prophylaxis To prevent athlete's foot, everyone should keep their feet clean and dry. Cotton or natural fiber socks are great for wicking moisture and keeping it away from your skin. In a public area like a pool or locker room, wear sandals to avoid contact with surfaces that could harbor a fungal infection. When shoes become damp, they should be left to air out for 24 hours before being worn again. If socks become damp, they should be changed as soon as possible. After bathing or swimming, toes should be dried completely, especially between the toes.