Fungus infections are named for the part of the body they infect. Tinea corporis is a fungus infection of the skin on the body (corporis is the Latin word for body). If you have this infection, you may see small, red spots that grow into large rings almost anywhere on your arms, legs or chest.
When a fungus grows in the moist, warm area of the groin, the rash is called tinea cruris. (Cruris comes from the Latin for leg.) The common name for this infection is "jock itch." Tinea cruris often occurs in men, especially if they often wear athletic equipment.
Tinea capitis, which is usually called "ringworm," causes itchy, red areas, usually on the head (capitis comes from the Latin for head). The hair is destroyed, leaving bald patches. This tinea infection is most common in children.
Tinea pedis is usually called "athlete's foot" (Pedis is a Latin word for foot). The fungus lives on the skin and breeds under warm, moist conditions. Athlete's foot is more common during hot weather and sweaty footwear is usually the culprit. Adult males suffer most often from this condition.
The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.
The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms, are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term athlete's foot became popular.
Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, also may mimic athlete's foot.
Smelly feet are often caused by sweaty feet. Self-care treatments are based on keeping the feet clean and dry. Dampness provides an ideal habitat for bacteria and fungi, which are the main causes of foot odor and athlete’s foot.
The signs of athlete's foot, singly or combined, are drying skin, itching scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads.
Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere.
TREATMENT:
There are many medications available for treating athlete's foot. Most treatment results in control, rather than cure of the condition. Individuals with diabetes or circulatory problems should take care especially good care of their feet. It is best to see a medical professional before starting any treatment. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics, such as penicillin, that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria may be prescribed.
Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area twice each day. Use a cool compress to stop the inflammation, ease the pain and lessen itching.
Soak your feet in a saltwater bath (two teaspoons of salt to one pint of water) five to 10 minutes, twice a day.
Apply a paste of baking soda and water in between your toes and to the soles of your feet. After 10 minutes, rinse and dry your feet thoroughly. Next, dust your feet with cornstarch or talcum powder.
Medicate your feet with an over-the-counter antifungal medication two or three times a day. Continue to apply the medication up to two weeks after the infection has disappeared. If the infection doesn't clear up after self treatment see your doctor.