Athlete’s foot is the most common form of fungal infection in developed countries. Hot, humid weather and occlusive footwear like trainers or boots are seen as triggers of athlete’s foot.

The infection is picked up when we come into direct contact with fungal spores. These live in discarded skin from the feet of other athlete’s foot sufferers which can be picked up when walking around barefoot.

Common places to pick up an infection are communal changing areas and swimming pools, or through sharing towels.

Direct contact (i.e. skin to skin) can also cause athlete’s foot. Symptoms include itchy toes and feet, flaky peeling and/or cracked skin, burning sensation and odour, inflamed, sore and red skin. If left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the foot, such as the toenail.

Around 20 to 30 per cent of people with athlete’s foot will also have a fungal infection of the toenails, which can then re-infect the skin.

Another potential concern is a secondary bacterial infection of the skin. Itching can cause openings to appear in the skin, leaving it vulnerable to further infection causing inflammation and yellow discharge.

Canesten Bifonazole Once Daily is an effective and convenient once daily treatment which provides relief from itching and redness. It contains the anti-fungal Bifonazole which works against fungi known to cause athletes foot.

This is a medicine. Always read the product leaflet and consult your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

www.canesten.co.uk