Athlete's foot is one of the most common forms of fungal infection but others include jock itch, ringworm, nail infections and thrush.

Symptoms

Fungal infections of the skin are the second most common infection. Septic spots, impetigo and boils are the most common skin infections. Bacteria cause the latter. Fungi cause fungal infections: they grow in warm moist spots. If left untreated, fungal infections will grow outwards in a ring.

The most common fungal skin infection you will have heard of is athlete's foot

The first symptom is itching between the toes.

Causes

As fungi grow on warm moist spots, what better place then between the toes, especially in people who wear trainers! The feet and toes perspire; the space between the toes is small and rarely dries correctly. Fungi easily invade the soggy area between the toes.

Treatment

Make sure the infected area gets lots of air, clean between the toes thoroughly, and apply a powder or spray on an anti-fungal medication. The most common group of anti-fungals are imidazoles (miconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole).

Sprays and powders are better than creams, creams tend to make the space between the toes even more soggy, and they feel very yucky!

Prevention

Athlete's foot can easily return if the right set of circumstances occur - hot weather, trainers and sweaty feet - so make sure you take care of your feet so they don't get infected again.

Seek medical advice

Seek advice from your healthcare professional if...

• you have diabetes and you think you have a fungal nail infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible
• your immune system is weak. This may lead to the fungal infection getting more serious

Recommended web sites

Information from Patient UK about the range of treatments available

Information from the BBC about fungal infection