Eczema

• Eczema is a skin condition marked by itchy, inflamed patches of skin on the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of eczema is unknown. Seen often on people with asthma or hay fever, eczema could be linked to allergies or an allergic reaction. Immune system malfunction along with dry, irritated skin can trigger eczema. Stress or emotional upsets will make eczema symptoms worse. Eczema normally affects your arms, legs, and torso. Due to the nature of eczema, it could be linked to another similar skin condition---athlete's foot.
  
  

Athletes Foot

• Tinea pedis, more commonly referred to as athlete's foot, is an immune-related skin condition. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin around your toes. It is marked by intense itching and burning along with blisters, cracking skin, dry skin and thick, discolored toenails. Risk factors for athlete's foot include immune system weakness or malfunction. In combination with the dark, damp environment between your toes, a weak immune system makes it easier for a bacterial fungal infection to grow and spread.
  
  

Tinea Pedis and Eczema

• The same combination---dry, irritated skin and immune system malfunction---is linked to both athlete's foot and eczema. Athlete's foot causes dry, irritated skin to form, weakens your immune system and causes emotional stress---making it possible for athlete's foot to trigger eczema. Tight shoes and socks create warmth and moisture between your toes, a humid environment that is perfect for fungal growth. Eczema also responds badly to sweating, rapid changes in skin temperature, solvents or detergents used in fabrics and man-made fabrics.
  If you have athlete's foot, start treating it. Over-the-counter sprays help to keep feet dry while soothing the skin and killing fungus. If a spray doesn't seem to be helping or symptoms worsen after using a spray, consult a physician. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal ointment to cure the athlete's foot. By quickly caring for athlete's foot, you can avoid developing related conditions like eczema.