How Did Athlete's Foot Get Its Name?

It's easy to pick up athlete's foot from
the damp floors of locker rooms and the
wet walkways around swimming pools.
Nevertheless, there is no significant
connection between this common fungus
infection and sports. Anyone, athletic
or not can pick it up almost anywhere.

Tinea pedis, the technical term for
athlete's foot, is a strain of fungus
that attacks the skin between and
under the toes, causing itching,
cracking, peeling, and occasionally
blisters. The fungus thrives on
moisture; people who keep their feet
dry seldom have athlete's foot.

To prevent occurrances of athlete's,
foot and also to treat it, make sure
that your shoes permit air to circulate
so that moisture cannot become trapped
inside them. Your socks should be made
of cotton or some other natural fiber
that will absorb perspiration. After
you bathe, you should always take care
to dry your feet thoroughly (especially
between the toes), and apply a fungus-
killing powder, cream, or lotion.