Basically, athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that is not exclusive to athletes. The fungus that causes this condition is Trichophyton thrives in areas that are moist and warm, such as the skin between our toes. It is found on floors and in socks and clothing. It breeds fast in sweaty feet inside poorly ventilated shoes or wet socks. If not treated, athlete’s foot can cause rashes and itching in other parts of the body. It is often recurring, with the fungus staying dormant under our toenails until favorable conditions revive it.

Although athlete’s foot may be just an uncomfortable nuisance to some, the resulting open sores may attract more serious infections. Because the fungus injures the skin, bacteria may attack the skin and cause an inflammation called cellulitis, a spreading bacterial infection just below the skin surface.
Athlete’s foot can be prevented if you carefully clean and dry your feet before putting on socks and shoes, and change your sweaty socks often.

• Keep footwear thoroughly dry. Use thick cotton socks. Wear sandals or shoes made of leather or breathable material. Vinyl doesn’t breath, keeps feet moist, and allows fungus to multiply.
• Use special medicated foot powders to keep feet dry.
• If feet get infected, apply antifungal creams, ointments, solutions, lotions, or powder.

As we age, our salivary glands produce less saliva, causing dry mouth. The condition is made worse by certain medical disorders and use of drugs, such as antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, and diuretics. Side effects of frequent dry mouth include sore throat, problem speaking and swallowing, hoarseness, and dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage teeth, since saliva normally works to wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by plaque. Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free sweets or gums stimulate saliva flow, and products including artificial saliva and oral rinses may also help.