Symptoms: Dry, cracked, flaking skin or raw, blistered, swollen skin between toes and/or around the sides and bottom of feet. These are signs of a skin infection caused by fungus or yeast. The condition worsens in warm, humid environments. Treat it: Clean your feet with normal bar soap and dry thoroughly. Apply an anti-fungal powder, (such as Zeasorb-AF, $7.99) to further dry the sweaty area. Then, slather feet with an over-the-counter topical antifungal ointment, (like Tinactin Antifungal Cream, $11.99). For more severe athlete's foot, oral antifungal medications can be prescribed by your doctor. Prevent it: Wear water shoes or flip-flops around pools, in locker rooms and in any other warm, wet public locale where bacteria lurk. Never wear sweaty socks for long periods of time, and clean and dry feet thoroughly after exercising.
Our experts:
· Dr. Kenneth Beer, dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in Palm Beach, Fla.; author of "Palm Beach Perfect Skin"
· Dr. Jeanine B. Downie, dermatologist in Montclair, N.J.; author of "Beautiful Skin of Color"
· Dr. Kathryn Frew, dermatologist at Juva Skin and Laser Center in New York City, N.Y.
Our two-minute guide to what you shouldn't pick at, as well as pro regimens on improving true skin emergencies, with advice from derms Dr. Kenneth Beer, Dr. Jeanine B. Downie and Dr. Kathryn Frew.