by B.J. Armstrong

"The itching sensation which many mistake for ambition is merely inflammation of the wishbone." -Unknown

Summer is the warmest season of the year. It brings out shorts, swimming, fireflies, gnats and athlete's foot which is more common in hot, humid weather. About 10% of the population is scratching away at any given time of the year. Athlete's foot doesn't just affect athletes or only the feet. This infection causes mild to severe itching and burning on the feet, scalp, fingers, and the body.

Athlete's foot spreads by direct contact with an infected person or with contaminated surfaces such as showers or locker room floors at the gym. Thus, athlete's foot spreads rapidly among teams, health club members, and families. If you could leave it alone and not scratch, it would not be dangerous, just annoying. But, whenever you scratch the itch and take off the top layer of skin, then you put yourself at risk for a more serious infection. Especially if you're a diabetic or have AIDS or cancer.

Chance for increasing athlete's foot is wearing shoes without socks. Do not

wear the same shoes all the time. Change shoes every other day at least. Wear clean socks every day. Also, make sure your feet are totally dry before putting on socks. Keep your feet as dry as possible, especially between the toes. Wear well ventilated shoes. Even better, wear sandals or open-toed shoes.

If your athlete's foot lasts for more than seven days, see the doctor. See him sooner if it seems to be affecting a toenail.

Once you get athlete's foot, there are some things to do for comfort:

Try Epson salt soaks.. Soak the feet for 10-15 minutes, three times a day. After soaking, make sure you dry completely.

Try a bleach soak... Use two capfuls of bleach in a gallon of warm water. Dry after soaking.

Try a tea soak... Soak the feet for 5-10 minutes in warm tea. Put a couple of tea bags in hot water just long enough to turn the water

brown. Soak feet after the tea water is warm. Dry completely.

Sprinkle with cornstarch.. Use cornstarch after a bath or shower on the feet. Make sure the feet are completely dry.

Keep feet clean and dry.. Wash your feet with soap and water. Dry completely.

The easiest way to prevent athlete's foot is to keep your feet clean and dry. Always wash your feet with soap and water. You must change your socks daily. You must change your shoes regularly. If you use powder, use the medicated kind.

Talcum powder smells nice but it won't kill the organisms on your feet. You can also spray your feet with an antiperspirant deodorant spray. If you want the baby smell, use a baby powder spray. Powders help to absorb excess moisture, therefore, keeping your feet dry.

Remember, dry and clean feet will have less of a chance of getting athlete's feet. Remember also, dry and clean feet are like shaving ...no matter how good you do it today, you will still have to do it again tomorrow.
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