Being one of the most common skin diseases experienced by people all over the world, athlete s foot is not considered as a harmful or deadly skin disease unless it leads to other serious complications. Contrary to common perception, athlete s foot is not only experienced by athletes alone. This skin disease is experienced by a person or persons who keep/s their the feet and other areas of the body moist and warm without doing proper hygiene and thus leading to irritation of the upper layer of the skin where the fungus thrives. Dermatologists can say if you have Athlete s Foot but if you want a feet specialist then check out your directory for the best podiatrist you can find in your area. A podiatrist can better give an assessment because that is his area of expertise. Usually a mere look at the feet is enough to tell if the condition you have is Athlete s Foot or not but at certain times there is a need to take out a piece of the affected area for examination. Treating athlete's foot Although there are topical medicines available that can help your solve this problem, prevention is always the best treatment. Always wear cotton socks when using your rubber shoes. These absorb the moisture so that it will not adhere to the shoes. Of course, change those socks often as the sweat inside can also be a good environment for the fungus. The application of these creams should only be once a day. If the fungal infection of the foot gets worse or does not subside after application of topical medication, a dermatologist or a physician may prescribe oral anti-fungal medication such as pill or tablets to kill the persistent and recurrent skin disease. Also try to make use of talcum powder on your feet to keep it dry when you wear your shoes. Talcum powder can help absorb the perspiration from your feet and keep it dry al the time. Other preventive measures for athlete's foot also includes keeping your feet clean by following good foot hygiene. Regularly wash your feet with soap and water to keep it clean. Is Athletes Foot Contagious Athlete s Foot is a very unfair name because it gives a bad name to all athletes. It is a very bad generalization. As opposed to the name of this widely spread but very curable disease, Athlete s Foot is not just an athlete s disease. Even non-athletes are prone to this disease caused by a fungus and that usually occurs between the toes.