Causes and Consequences of Athletes Foot

Athletes Foot (Tinea Pedis) affects many people and can be a real struggle to live with. Although it isn't a life threatening serious disorder it can have some very negative consequences.
It is the most common fungal infection of the skin. It is caused by a parasitic fungus and is a communicable disease, which means it is easily spread from one person to another.
Causes:
The fungal spores can be found in a wide variety of places but whether you'll get infected or not is really determined by how susceptible you are to infection, mainly because your body is not in peak health.

If you are experiencing any of the conditions below, you are more at risk of becoming a host to the Athletes Foot fungus if you come in contact with it.
Skin Condition:
Skin that is irritated - especially bruised or cracked, weakened or continuously moist is a prime candidate for an Athletes Foot infection.
Medication:
Certain medications, corticosteroids, birth control pills and drugs that suppress the immune system can make you more susceptible.
Ill Health:
People who have a weakened immune system such as those with AIDS, those with diabetes mellitus or are obese are also at increased risk.
Diet:
Fungus LOVES - sugar. The more you eat sugary treats, the better it is for the fungal colony on your feet.
Environment:
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Therefore any wet areas where many people regularly pass with bare feet - like at a swimming pool, sauna, gym or public showers; is an
ideal environment to pick up an Athletes Foot infection if you are susceptible.
Spread:
Athletes Foot is indirectly spread from one person to another by infected skin particles from shared contact with showers, towels, socks, shoes etc.
Many people have the fungus present on their skin but are unaffected by the microscopic organism. These people can spread the fungus to others without being aware they have it.
Consequences:
Fungal diseases are sometimes not taken seriously and simply treated as petty annoyances. This is a dangerous attitude to take. If your health is compromised for some reason, fungal infections can erupt into conditions with serious consequences.
Spread of Fungus:
If left untreated the Athletes Foot can spread to other parts of your body and cause an equal amount of pain, itching and suffering there.
Variations are:
Tinea Unguium - Athletes Foot in the toenails.
Tinea Capitis - Ringworm - anywhere on the skin especially the scalp.
Tinea Cruris - Jock Itch - found in the groin.
Tinea Corporis - found on the body or limbs.
The infection can even spread to the face.
Bacterial Infection:
Without treatment the cuts - or lesions - on your foot can become infected and extremely painful.
Secondary Infection:
A fungal infection weakens the natural protective skin barrier which can also allow other germs to penetrate the skin more easily and cause secondary infections which will require a course of antibiotics to heal.
Depending on the type of infection this can lead to a very serious condition for your body.
You are infectious:
Because it spreads so easily, like it or not if you have Athletes Foot you may be the biggest reason for sharing it with your family, friends and whoever you come in contact with.
To find a natural athletes foot treatment take a look at the author's bio.

About the Author
Sabine has spent 25 years researching natural cures and treatments for many of the health ailments and conditions commonly experienced.
She believes that Nature provides us with wonderfully safe and effective remedies for regaining our health when it has been compromised.
Athletes Foot Treatment