A Complete Guide to the Pathological Diagnosis and Treatment of Foot Fungal Infections and Prostate Disorders

Athlete's foot, another common skin condition, is more prevalent in men than women, possibly because many men like to keep their hot, sweaty feet wrapped in heavy, non-breathable shoes. Moisture and heat provide ideal conditions for fungal and bacterial growth. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, causes peeling, itching, and skin lesions, usually between the fourth and fifth toes. The infection can spread to the toenails, causing them to turn yellow or brown, become brittle and thick, and tend to separate from the nail bed, and it can also be a source of infection for other toes. Antifungal creams and sprays containing undecanoic acid solutions are most effective for athlete's foot. Treatment requires washing the feet twice a day, thoroughly drying them, and applying medication. This infection requires careful, twice-daily treatment for 4–6 weeks. If you neglect or ignore athlete's foot, you may notice a similar fungal infection in the groin area: red, scaly rashes called "athlete's ringworm" or "groin tinea." Treatment is similar to athlete's foot: keep the affected area clean, cool, and dry. The best way to prevent prostate problems is to avoid wearing sweaty clothes and socks after strenuous exercise; wear cotton or wool socks and cotton underwear; and avoid wearing the same pair of shoes for two consecutive days. Men often don't realize they have a prostate until it's already developing problems-usually after age 50 or 60. This chestnut-sized gland and muscle, located just below the bladder, is responsible for sperm production. The most common prostate problems-infection, congestion, and enlargement-are not life-threatening. However, severe prostate problems, if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure. Prostatitis affects men of any age, from teenagers to the elderly. Acute prostatitis-a relatively rare bacterial infection of the prostate-symptoms include fever, chills, lower back pain, and groin pain. Men may urinate more frequently than usual, with a weak, dribbling stream; feel the urge to urinate but cannot; and experience pain and burning during urination. Acute prostatitis usually responds well to antibiotics. Chronic prostatitis is a relapsing, persistent inflammation. Prostate massage is also effective. There are many folk remedies for prostate problems, such as zinc supplements, which are controversial and do more harm than good. Prostatodynia is common in young men, causing pelvic pain and discomfort during and after erection. Irregular sexual activity can cause prostate obstruction, a condition known as "sailor's disease" or "basketball disease," which can be treated by avoiding sudden changes in sexual habits. Another common condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland, with its dense fibrous tissue surrounding the urethra, causes urinary urgency or obstruction, resulting in dribbling or complete blockage. BPH affects about half of men over 50 and 80% of Americans over 80. When an enlarged prostate obstructs urine flow, part or all of the prostate must be surgically removed. Otherwise, the pressure from urethral obstruction can cause bladder infections, kidney damage, and irreversible kidney failure. 10–25% of men eventually require prostate surgery. The most common method is to remove excess tissue from the prostate using a cystoscope inserted into the urethra. This surgery doesn't require incisions and has a 98% success rate. The biggest concern for men facing this surgery is the possibility of erectile dysfunction. The post-operative erectile dysfunction rate is 10-20%, but this figure includes a large number of men who were already unable to have sex before the surgery. Most men notice the only change: no more noticeable ejaculation because semen returns to the bladder. This retrograde ejaculation, or "dry orgasm," is not harmful to health, but it can lead to infertility in men over 50. Studies show that with familiarity with prostate surgery, good health, and an active sex life, erectile dysfunction is rare. Prostate cancer is far less common than benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer in men and the third leading cause of death. The earlier cancer is detected, the smaller the extent of damage. 90% of prostate cancers can be detected through a rectal exam. The American Cancer Society recommends that men over 40 have a rectal exam annually. Prostate cancer treatment is often seen as worse than the disease itself because it affects sexual function. In the past, when surgically removing the cancerous prostate, the nerves controlling penile erection were often severed. However, in recent years, surgical techniques have improved, allowing over 70% of men to maintain their sexual function. Prostate cancer can also be treated with radiation therapy or hormone therapy that lowers testosterone levels. Studies of ethnic minorities in Hawaii have confirmed a link between prostate cancer and the consumption of animal fats and proteins. Workplace exposure to cadmium during welding or electroplating can increase the risk. The best protection is to have your prostate checked by a doctor annually after age 40. While a new "prostate phosphate" test is not entirely reliable, a digital rectal exam performed by a doctor is a far more reliable test, and nothing can replace it.