Your perspiration can provide the dampness where the fungus may thrive on your foot. A way to make your feet perspire less can help reduce your chance of infection. The ayurvedic remedy does this by initially cleaning your foot area with about four to ten drops of tea tree oil. A mixture of aloe vera gel with tumeric is also applied to the feet every morning and evening. In fact, it is one of the most common foot problems, affecting all kinds of people with different professions. Even office workers can be affected by this problem. Tinea pedis can often be founding moist places such as poolsides or shower rooms in gyms and spa houses. The fungus can survive for some time in puddles of water, which may be stepped on by people. A good way of preventing such an infection is by choosing the type of shoes that you wear. Consider using light and airy footwear to make sure that your feet is always properly ventilated and prevent excessive perspiration. Increased use of sandals can also help prevent making your feet a breeding ground for any fungus. A skin infection in the foot caused by a fungus known as trichophyton, athlete s foot can be a major skin condition if it s not treated and prevented early. It is best to visit a dermatologist or podiatrist to cure the problem before it gets worse. If you are advised by the physician to use medication either topical or oral make sure that you educate yourself about the proper prevention of athlete s foot to keep it from being recurrent. Aside from these facilities, the fungus that causes the skin disease can also be found on the floors and clothing as well as to dark, warm, or humid areas. Usually, the infection spreads through direct contact with contaminated or infected objects or surfaces. Aside from the skin of the foot, soles and toenails can also be affected when it s not given proper medication. Fungus can live in puddles of water inside warm and moist environments such as the shower rooms in gymnasiums and other sports facilities. It is therefore important that you protect your feet by not going barefoot when inside these facilities. Another great product that can help prevent or treat the problem is an athletic pair of socks.