Addressing the myths

You've probably heard myths before about athlete's foot. To make sure you know what's true and what's not, here we'll discuss some common myths about athlete's foot.

• Only athletes get athlete's foot.

• False. "Athlete's foot" is a common term which leads to a lot of confusion about the skin fungus. You do not need to be an athlete to get athlete's foot, and not all athletes suffer from athlete's foot.
  
  Though the term "athlete's foot" can be misleading, there is an explanation of where this term comes from. The conditions under which many athletes train and perform create a warm, moist environment in their shoes. Warmth and moisture are ideal conditions for fungi to grow and infect the skin. Also, many athletes use a common showering facility after practice, so it is not unusual for one person who is infected with athlete's foot to spread the fungus to others.

• Women can't get athlete's foot.

• False. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that can affect both men and women.

• Athlete's foot is 'harmless.'

• False. When a person first becomes infected with athlete's foot, it starts out as a superficial infection of the skin. Most cases of athlete's foot can easily be treated at this stage.

  However, if left untreated, the fungus can spread and become more severe, making it harder to treat. In some cases, untreated athlete's foot can lead to complications such as: 1) aggressive and resistant bacterial infections in the affected area or 2) allergic reactions caused by proteins that enter the bloodstream. For these reasons, it is important to treat athlete's foot properly with medication for the entire recommended course of time. It is also important to follow the self-care tips which can help prevent athlete's foot from coming back.

• Athlete's foot goes away on its own.

• False. If you have athlete's foot, it will not simply go away on its own. In fact, lack of treatment can make the condition worse and in some cases lead to further complications. Therefore, it is highly recommended to treat your athlete's foot with medication like Lamisil^AT®.

• Athlete's foot only requires one treatment.

• False. When treating athlete's foot, it is very important to follow the entire course of treatment for as long as directed, even if your symptoms disappear. Not treating for the amount of time recommended in the directions puts you at very high risk of having another case of athlete's foot.

• Athlete's foot is eliminated when symptoms disappear.

• False. This is a common misconception that often leads to recurrence and repeated infections with athlete's foot. People often think that they have been successfully cured when their symptoms go away, and thus stop treatment too soon. It is important to follow the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear.

• Athlete's foot cannot be eliminated.

• Usually False. Most cases of athlete's foot can be treated with proper medication. A small percentage of sufferers have a chronic infection, which requires prolonged and more extensive treatment. If you suspect you have a chronic infection, talk to your doctor.

• Only people with poor hygiene get athlete's foot.

• False. Even if you have good hygiene, you could become infected with athlete's foot. However, by taking proper care of your feet and following prevention tips, you can help minimize your risk of getting athlete's foot.

• I'm definitely infected if I come into contact with the fungus that causes athlete's foot.

• False. No two humans are exactly alike, and not everyone reacts the same when they come in contact with the fungus that causes athlete's foot.

  Just because you may have come in contact with the fungus that causes athlete's foot does not mean that you will be infected. However, if you think you have come in contact with the fungus, you should follow the guidelines for good foot care and watch out for any of the common symptoms.