Athlete's Foot? Stamp on it!

by Shelley White
^{(creative writers at www.morewriting.co.uk)}
Do you have some flaky skin
And itch between your toes?
Chances are it's Athlete's Foot -
That's where the fungus grows.

It's not really a mushroom
But germs that like moist skin
That cosy place between your toes
Is where it will begin.

You don't have to be an athlete
To suffer this complaint
If it's damp between your toes you'll find
It grows without restraint.

Or sometimes it can be passed on -
Gyms or communal showers
Are where infected skin flakes fall -
And feet is where it flowers.

The skin between the little toes
Will be affected first
It may get cracked and red and sore
The rash might make you curse!

Don't leave your foot to fester
See the chemist without fail
Or you may find the infection
Has spread to a toenail.

There are many antifungal creams
Which usually do the trick
When rubbed on the affected parts-
But, please, you mustn't pick!

Although the rash may disappear
Before the week is out
Keep on with cream a week or two
Or more fungi may sprout.

So follow this advice
Keep Athlete's Foot at bay
Just wash your feet and toes
And change socks every day.

But most of all remember
Your toes must be well-dried
Don't try to put your socks on
With soggy skin inside!

You'll find that cotton socks
And leather footwear's best
Cos nylon socks and plastic shoes
Are fungi's sweaty 'nest'.

Alternate between different shoes
Each three days, if it's poss
Then each pair will dry out fully
Show fungi who's the boss!

Infected feet drop flakes of skin
In changing rooms. Take care!
Wear sandals or your flip-flops
To avoid what's lying there.

Ideally take off shoes and socks
When you are in your home
Let fresh air play upon your feet
And reflect upon this poem.