Infection may recur with Summer’s approach

DEAR DR. GOTT: I thought I had cured my athlete’s foot by soaking in distilled white vinegar, but was recently told by my podiatrist that it may well return with warm, humid weather this summer. How can I avoid this?

DEAR READER: Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is the most common fungal infection. It is closely related to jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis or tinea capitis). It affects the warm, moist areas of the feet, especially between the toes. It is contagious, being spread through direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces.

Common symptoms include itching, stinging and/or burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet; cracking, peeling skin; excessively [Read more...]