This subject brings back distant memories of life in the nurse's home during my training in Nottingham, where each night when I looked out of my window I could see rows of shoes being aired on the windowsills- as no-one wanted to keep them in their little rooms after a hard days work on the wards!

You might wonder why I chose Athlete's foot infection as a topic in January - there is a common misconception that this is a summer condition. In fact, we in the Northern Hemisphere are more likely to allow our toes to breathe in sandals during the summer months, suffocating them by enclosing them in shoes again in the winter. The infection in more common in men and teenagers, both of whom are more likely to wear enclosed shoes or trainers - hence the name "Athlete's foot". It is this warm, sweaty environment that encourages the group of fungi known as dermatophytes to multiply causing the characteristic itchy, red, sore skin beginning mainly between the fourth and fifth toes. The infection is contagious and can be spread to other areas of the body, and also passed on to other people - particularly in swimming pools and changing rooms.

Left untreated, Athlete's foot progresses and can cause the skin between the toes to crack, become soggy, and to exude a strong smell - "cheesy feet"! You may also develop blisters, a burning sensation and swelling of the surrounding skin. Cracks which expose the flesh underneath may develop secondary bacterial infections - scratching at the area and touching other parts of the body can cause spread of both the fungal and bacterial infections.

So, to the good news! Athlete's foot is (usually) a mild condition which you can treat easily with the use of anti-fungal sprays, creams, lotions or powders which are available from your local chemist. If after two weeks there is no sign of improvement, your GP may prescribe stronger preparations including in tablet form.

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent and/or treat the infection;

* Wash and dry your feet every day, paying particular attention to in-between the toes.

* Change your socks, tights or stockings on a daily basis.

* Avoid tight fitting footwear, and where possible wear sandals.

* Air your shoes, allowing time for them to dry.

* Do not put shoes or socks back on until your feet are properly dry.

* Eat a well balanced diet and try to avoid processed foods and high levels of sugar.

* Diabetics should seek advice from their Practice Nurse, or Podiatrist if they have one.

The following Complementary/Alternative treatments may also be beneficial;

* Garlic oil - rub two to three drops into the affected area.

* Vitamin B complex tablets.

* Zinc - 50mg daily may help to inhibit the fungus and stimulate the immune system.

* Taking the herb Astragalus.

* Vitamin C - 1000mg supplements.

As a Clinical Aromatherapist, I would recommend applying Tea Tree oil, Myrrh, Lavender or Tagetes (marigold) essential oils. 3-4 drops each of Tea tree, lavender and myrrh can be added to 25ml of calendula cream and applied to cracked skin. The feet may also benefit from a daily soak in warm water to which has been added 5 drops of tea tree oil in a spoon of active yoghurt (essential oils are not soluble in water unless a fat has also been added).