Most people do not place much emphasis on their foot health until they develop a problem. Surprisingly, even minor foot problems can affect your ability to walk and function normally. Athlete's foot, for instance, may be a fungal infection, but the uncomfortable symptoms can affect your daily life. With this guide, you will learn the truth about a few common myths regarding athlete's foot.

Athlete's Foot Is Rare

One of the most common myths people believe is that they will never get athlete's foot because the infection is so rare. In reality, athlete's foot is incredibly common.

While shocking to learn, 70 percent of people will develop athlete's foot at some point in time. Basically, you or someone you know will develop athlete's foot.

Athlete's Foot Affects Athlete's Only

Another myth people believe is that athlete's foot is only a problem for athletes. Again, this is not true and definitely something you need to understand so you know that the infection may affect you, too, whether you are an athlete or not.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection, so if your feet get and stay moist or you walk around in a locker room, gym, or bathroom where other people who have athlete's foot walk, you may contract the fungus that leads to the infection. Because it is common in locker rooms, many people think the infection affect athlete's only, but anyone can get it.

To reduce your risk of developing athlete's foot, make sure to wear shower shoes or flip flops/sandals when using a public gym's bathroom or locker room. Also, try to keep your feet dry at all times to reduce moisture content that could lead to fungal growth.

Athlete's Foot Goes Away on Its Own

If you do develop athlete's foot, your first thought may be just to wait out the infection. Unfortunately, athlete's foot does not go away on its own, so some form of treatment is imperative.

There are many types of creams and ointments that can be used to rid the foot of the fungal growth. These medications will also stop the fungus from spreading while providing you some relief from the uncomfortable redness, swelling, and itchiness of athlete's foot.

If you have a more severe case of athlete's foot that has spread across the entire foot, consult a foot specialist for a more involved treatment.

Help is available if you have or are concerned about athlete's foot. Visit a site like https://www.familyfootanklephysicians.com to learn more.