Sometimes the fungal infection can have a few symptoms such as itching, especially when perspiring occurs. As the weather warms the condition gets worse. The disease is easy for a dermatologist to recognize but it can be mistaken for other skin conditions. There is no known medical reason why it occurs in some people and not others. The dermatologist can perform a "KOH prep" which is a common test done quickly in the office to make sure of the diagnosis.

The infection is treated with either topical or oral antifungal medications. In very mild cases, non-prescription antifungal creams will work. Prescription antifungal lotions and sprays may work better. The most economical effective treatment is to apply an antifungal shampoo (Nizoral, Loprox) to the body as if it were soap, but leave it on for some minutes before rinsing.

For severe, extensive or recurrent cases, a few tablets of Nizoral pills will clear things up. A newer pill, Sporonox, may replace Nizoral for this problem. These will eliminate the fungus and relive any itch and scale. The

This common but persistent condition is considered a nuisance to most people but can become a more serious problem to anyone if not treated correctly. To the diabetic however, it is always a serious matter and extremely important to have early diagnosis and effective treatment.

One of the reasons diabetics are susceptible to infection and disease is their immune system is less able to counter the attack. The diabetic has a better chance of getting athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and other fungal type infections then someone without diabetes due to the bodies inability to fight off the problem.

The Invasion

Once the infection has invaded the skin and started to attack the area of entry another problem occurs for the diabetic. In many diabetes cases there has been nerve damage from the years of wear and tear on the body. This makes it harder for the diabetes sufferer to recognize the symptoms of a foot disorder when it first starts. With a problem like athletes foot, if the symptoms are recognized early and treated consistently with an effective antifungal medication, in most cases it can be cured. If it is not treated early and allowed to spread it then becomes a much more difficult problem to overcome.

More Problems

Last but not least there is again one more reason why these minor infections are major problems for the diabetic. The process of healing the infected area is hindered as the reduced blood flow to the extremities does not keep a fresh supply of blood circulating to replenish the blood in the affected area. People without diabetes have fresh blood circulating to the leg, feet and other extremities, cleansing and replenishing blood from the affected areas. Because the diabetic does not have this normal blood flow it increases the odds of a more serious infection and conditions such as gangrene developing. This is one of the reasons why consistent inspections of the feet and extremities is vital to a diabetics health.

Athlete’s foot fungus thrives in dark, moist and warm conditions. No wonder it is typically found causing great discomfort to the feet. Usually found along the soles of the feet, the area between the toes and sometimes the toenails become infected, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is not choosy about where it grows.

It also has the ability to spread to other areas of the body. The fact that the infection becomes incredibly itchy and the hands are usually used to do the itching, the fungus commonly spreads to the hands. When this occurs the medical term for the problem is tinea manuum. It is possible for the fungus to spread to other areas of the body as well especially if other areas are touched with the hands after itching.

With that said it is very important to have good hygiene practices to have a chance of clearing up the problem. Wash your hands on a regular basis, preferably with anti-fungal soap. Make sure your feet are washed and dried and treated every day without fail.

The majority of athlete’s foot cases get out of hand because they are not dealt with when the first signs appear.  Since the area where the problem usually starts is the feet, which tend to be a breeding ground for the fungus, the infection gets a chance to quickly get out of control.  As the problem persists, inconsistent attempts are made to cure the problem and the inconsistency of the applications of antifungal treatment allows the problem to spread and get more out of control.

Consistency is the key, even after it seems like the ringworm infection is gone. Keep applying the medication you are using for a couple of weeks after the problem seems to have cleared up.

The Conditions & Affects of Nail Fungus

What is Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. The medical term for this infection is Onychomycosis. This is caused by a fungi called dermatophytes also known as tinea unguium (tinea of the nails). Nail fungus is not the same as athlete’s foot, which affects the skin, but at times the two may coexist.

Symptoms & Affects of Nail Fungus

The infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus grows it feeds on the the keratin that makes up the surface of the nail and in this way spreads deeper into your nail. This may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges and distort in shape.

Infected toenails may also develop a condition called onycholysis where the nail separates from the nail bed. This can be an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

Causes & Conditions of Nail Fungus

The problem affects about 6-8% of the adult population and usually develops on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments. The fungi organisms invade the skin through invisible cuts or a small separation between the nail and the nail bed. This becomes a problem only when the nails have continuous exposure to conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungu – warmth and moisture.

Risk Factors for Nail Fungus

For several reasons nail fungus tends to be more common among older adults. Some of these reasons include a slow in blood circulation and with aging the nails grow slower and thicken making them more susceptible to infection. Men are affected more than women and a family history of this infection increases the possiblilty of a lack of resistance to nail fungus.

These factors also can increase your risk of developing nail fungus:

1. Perspiring heavily
2. Working in a humid or moist environment
3. Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don’t absorb perspiration
4. Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
5. A minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection
6. Diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system

Complications of Nail Fungus

Nail fungal infections can lead to other serious infections that can spread beyond your feet especially if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

Fungal infections of the nail pose the most serious health risk for people with diabetes and for those with weakened immune systems, such as people with leukemia or those who’ve had an organ transplant. If you have diabetes, your blood circulation and the nerve supply to your feet can become impaired. Therefore, any relatively minor injury to your feet — including a nail fungal infection — can lead to a more serious complication, requiring timely medical care. See your doctor immediately if you suspect nail fungus.