The Male Health Center - Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot

Every guy who's used a public shower at the gym knows about athlete's foot. About half of us will have it at one time or another in our lives.

This itchy rash, caused by one of several fungi that like to congregate between the toes, can be a real nuisance. And, although it's readily treated with over-the-counter medications, athlete's foot can be pretty persistent.

In general, a fungal infection is more irritating than it is dangerous. But when fungi get into a toenail, causing it discolor, crack or even separate from the toe, they can make it difficult to wear shoes, which really cuts into your activity.

This condition, called onychomycosis, has been very difficult to treat successfully. Topical preparation don't get under the nail to the fungi, and the standard oral medication prescribed over the past three decades, griseofulvin, often provides only a temporary fix, since it is unable to penetrate the nail.

Fortunately, two new prescription medications have been developed in the past few years. Itraconazole is effective against several different fungi, and fluconazole attacks a particular toenail fungus. Both are taken orally and can reach inside the nail to snuff out the fungi.

Solutions to this problem are welcome, but you may decide to hold off unless your infection is particularly troublesome. The medications must be taken daily for at least three months at a cost of $700 or more.

Prevention
As is the case with nearly every medical problem, prevention is far more economical and pleasant than treatment. Follow these guidelines to reduce your chance of developing any fungal infection on your feet:

Wear sandals around public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
After bathing, thoroughly dry your feet and toes, especially in between toes. Fungi like damp environments.
Be careful when trimming toenails or cleaning around them. A cut in the skin around a nail offers an infection and open door.
Wear cotton socks, which absorb perspiration well.
If your feet perspire a lot, change socks often. An antifungal spray also may be helpful.
Choose shoes that ventilate well. In particular, leather soles breath better than do rubber ones.
Finally, bear in mind that fungal infections of toenails aren't just a risk for young, athletic guys. As we grow older, our nails thicken and grow more slowly, making it easier for fungi to find a toehold. The fungus among us doesn't discriminate according to age.

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