Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin, usually between the toes, caused by fungi.
Causes
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Athlete's foot occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the skin, usually of the feet. It is generally caused by the fungus Tinea pedis.
Growth of the athlete's foot fungus is promoted by a dark, warm, moist environment such as that found inside shoes. The fungi persist for a long time in the environment, facilitating transmission of the disease in communal areas such as locker rooms and showers.
Symptoms
Athlete's foot causes scaling and itching of the affected skin. Blisters and cracked skin may also occur, leading to exposed raw tissue, pain, swelling, and inflammation. Despite its name, the infection can be spread to other areas of the body, such as the armpits and the groin.
Treatment
The infection is often treated with topical antifungal agents such as Miconazole.
Proponents of urine therapy claim that urine is very effective at killing athlete's foot. Urea, the "active ingredient" in urine, is already used in many drugs and treatments made by pharmaceutical companies to treat athlete's foot. This controversial treatment method recommends urinating on the infected area once a day in the shower. According to supporters, urine therapy not only kills existing fungi, it prevents new fungi from growing in the infected area. However, at least one biochemist states that urea is only used to soften the outer layers of skin so that antifungal drugs can reach fungi below the surface, and that the urea must be concentrated and applied for a long period of time in order to be effective. Thus, it is unlikely that urinating on one's feet in the shower will significantly improve a case of athlete's foot.
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