Most people do not worry if they have a little athlete's foot since they don't feel it is a serious problem. On the contrary, athlete's feet is serious and especially serious if you a diabetic. Athelete's foot is caused by a fungus and if left untreated can lead to a more serious bacterial infection.
The fungus in athlete's foot loves warm, dark and moist areas. So you are more likely to get an athlete's foot infection if your feet perspire excessively or if you are around wet areas like a swimming pool. In addition, it can be contracted in your home by other people and even your pets. The fungus can be picked up from infected skin that has shed onto floors, mats, bed linens, and other surgaces as well as by direct contact.
Athlete's foot causes small breaks in the skin that can allow bacteria to spread. This can lead to a very serious infection called cellulitis, which is an infection of the skin. Cellulitis spreads eaily to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening.
Athlete's foot can also lead to fungal infections of the toenails, which can be difficult to treat.
Mild cases of athlete's feet can be treated with over-the-counter remedies but if you are a diabetic you should see a podiatrist. Diabetics are more prone to infection and it is best to treat any foot problem immediately and appropriately. 25% of all hospital admissions for diabetics are foot related. More serious types of athlete's feet require stronger forms of treatment. The podiatrist can prescribe stronger anti-fungals and teach you how to prevent these problems from reoccuring.
