By Janet Gemignani, The Record Keeping feet cool and dry is one way of avoiding athlete's foot, caused by fungi that grow in warm, moist places. Those active in sports are most prone to the condition, says Dr. Richard Braver, a sports podiatrist on the staffs of Englewood and Pascack Valley hospitals. There are two types of athlete's foot, Braver says. The acute appears almost overnight.
Blisters can pop out on any part of the foot, and the skin appears red and raw.
There is also swelling. The condition should clear after three days of application of a topical cream. The chronic type appears as dry, scaly skin on the sole of the foot and should clear after a two-week application of a topical cream. According to the July 1990 Consumer Reports Health Letter, the latest and most effective non-prescription topical medications belong to a class called imidazoles. If this doesn't work in a couple of weeks, check with your doctor.