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(HealthNewsDigest.com)-Though it is known as athlete’s foot, this widespread infection is now common in every walk of life, and not just in athletes. But awareness of its signs and symptoms-and effective treatment and prevention-can help minimize the impact of this highly contagious and potentially serious foot condition that is estimated to affect 70 percent of Americans at some point in their lives.
“Almost everyone today is susceptible to the exceptionally hardy fungus that causes this infection,” said Dr. Boni Elewski, vice chair of dermatology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. “It’s very contagious, and can survive well beyond the locker room and on everyday household surfaces for long periods of time.”
Fortunately, a new educational Web site is now available at www.ertaczo.com. The comprehensive site provides in-depth background on the causes and symptoms of athlete’s foot and its diagnosis and treatment, as well as tips for its prevention and control.
The symptoms of athlete’s foot often begin with mild discomfort and itching between the toes. As the condition progresses, it is characterized by cracking, blistering and peeling of the skin, and the itching and burning may become increasingly severe. If left unchecked, it can be passed on to others and lead to even more serious medical issues, especially in the elderly or individuals with other medical conditions such as diabetes.
The fungus can survive on both dry and wet surfaces-floors, rugs, mats, bed linens, clothes, shoes and other surfaces-making the infection very contagious. Person-to-person contact is another means of transmission.
Athlete’s foot is frequently passed along in public areas such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools and showers, in addition to being transmitted within the household. Regardless of where it is acquired, the infection is especially common among those whose lifestyle alternates between bare feet and the moist, enclosed environment of shoes and socks.
Anyone who suspects he or she may have athlete’s foot should see a dermatologist or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Highly effective prescription therapy is now available, and without medical help the infection tends to recur or progress as a chronic source of discomfort-as well as a potential source of infection to others.
There are also key protective measures to minimize the chances of recurrence or the development of athlete’s foot, which can be found at www.ertaczo.com.
In clinical trials, cutaneous adverse events occurred in 2 percent of patients receiving Ertaczo and in 2 percent of patients receiving vehicle. These reported adverse events included contact dermatitis, dry skin, burning skin, application site reaction and skin tenderness. Prescribing information is available at www.ertaczo.com/prescribing-information.
Athlete’s foot affects all segments of the population.
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