Fairfield-Echo.com

(HealthDayNews) -- You don't have to be preparing for a triathlon to get athlete's foot. The skin disease is caused by a fungus that commonly attacks the feet, because shoes create a warm, dark and humid environment that fungus thrives in.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these suggestions to help prevent the condition:

• Wash your feet daily with soap and water and dry carefully, especially between the toes.
• Change your shoes and socks regularly to decrease moisture.
• Use a foot powder daily.
• In a public shower, avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes.
• Wear light and airy shoes.
• If an apparent fungus condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and self care, and there is no improvement within two weeks, consult a podiatrist.