Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin and the most common fungal infections. Recent studies estimate that 25% of the population of developed countries suffer the disease at some point in their lives.

The most common symptoms are: dry skin, brittle and flaky in the affected area. Itching and burning, sores or blisters, thickening and discoloration of the fingernails. 

This type of fungus proliferate in warm and humid areas, so the contagion increases during the summer. It is a highly contagious infection that is transmitted by direct contact with items such as shoes, socks, bedding, carpets and other surfaces, such as swimming pools, showers, gyms, saunas and dressing rooms, among others.

The disease takes its name probably is more common in athletes by the prolonged and continuous use of closed shoes (tennis). It is common for soldiers suffering from swimmers and, appearing more frequently in adult men.

The infection can spread to the nails, floor and sides of the feet and even hands. Athlete's foot or ringworm zone massage as doctors call it, can be presented at the same time as other fungal infections of the skin.

To prevent athlete's foot are as follows:

• Dry your feet well after washing them, taking special care between the toes.
• Change socks and shoes daily.
• Use preferably cotton or wool socks.
• Use of natural materials breathable shoes instead of those made with synthetic materials.
• Avoid using tight shoes and / or thick.
• Use slippers or sandals in swimming pools, public showers, changing rooms, gyms and hotels.
• Dry shoes in the sun when the weather permits, to decrease the moisture.
• When at home, prefer shoes that have adequate ventilation.
• If you often walk without shoes in public places, use an anti-fungal powder or spray daily.

A variety of drugs for athlete's foot. Mild infections can be treated with topical application of products such as ointments, creams, gels, powders or aerosols. In more complicated cases may require the prescription of capsules, tablets or suspensions.

It is important not to suspend the treatment noted an improvement that would seem to be definitive, because this increases the risk that the fungus will develop again in the short term.