Athlete's foot is a very annoying although common condition. Anyone can get this. Many don't even realise they have athletes foot but think they have dry skin which results in itchy feet. The symptoms of athlete's foot, ranges from mild to severe. Anyone who has suffered with this will know how irritatingly the condition can be. The skin itches terribly and often feels as if it's burning. It can peel and become painful.

This annoying skin condition is caused by a ringworm fungus. The most common one, being, Trichophytonaffects. This fungus grows in warm moist areas, which, let's face it, most feet often are. It then affects the skin on the soles of the feet. The funghi feed on keratin .

Anyone can contract this condition from the young to the elderly. Diabetics are more susceptible. It is contagious and can be spread by walking barefoot in areas such as around swimming pools and gyms. Also, from footwear worn by people already infected, and towels used by them. It can be spread by direct contact.

I have suffered with this a couple of times. Once I didn't realise that I had this until I realised that the skin w around my toes was peeling badly and started to itch. As I have numbness in my feet this could have become serious, luckily I discovered it before it became too severe.

On this occasion I used a cream to treat my feet, and had to take Piriton allergy to help with the itching. I wouldn't have been able to use Mycota, which I am reviewing, as the skin was too open and sore. Recently though my feet became itchy and I could tell that athlete's foot was back.

At this time I used a cream which sometimes alleviates the itching but it was too severe for the cream to do much It always seems to be last thing at night when the itching really becomes troublesome. When this happens I stick my feet outside of the duvet top cool them down, but that doesn't do much. I try to ignore it and relax, but when you have an itch you just want to scratch!

I decided to buy a spray which I thought might cool the skin and stop the awful itching. I had a wander around Savers and saw several treatments and sprays. I didn't purchase the cheapest spray but went for the Mycota as I had heard of this and thought it might be good.

That evening I went up to bed to read for a while. Of course no sooner had I got comfortable, propped up on my pillows and cushions, book in one hand and glass of wine in the other when that itching bgan. After five minutes it became worse and I knew irt wouldn't go. So I found the Mycota, scanned the instuctions and sprayed. Just a little spray and a few seconds later I had to run from the room. Goodness this stuff is lethal. The smell for a few seconds on first spraying seems to disguise its strength but, after a few more seconds the strength of this becomes apparent. I had to hold my breath as I ran back into my bedroom and open the windows wide. It was cold at the time too! I left the room for about fifteen minutes and then ventured back, but the smell remained. I had to leave the windows open overnight.

I try to stick to using this spray when I'm alone in the house but this means I can't use it last thing at night which is when I would prefer to apply it. I usually spray it in the bathropom with both windows wide open. I spray as quickly as I can (only a little asquirt) holding my breath and then make a bolt for it. I shut the bathroom door tightly and move to another part of he house.

I cannot use this spray anywhere near my daughter as I'm sure it would bring on her asthma.

I told my husband about the overpowering smell but he looked at me indulgently and was only lending half an ear. I knew he thought I was exaggerating. Well he came home early one day last week and marched into the bathroom...and quickly beat a hasty retreat.

This awful, overbearing smell is irritating and, I feel, can't be good for one. This is a shame because on the occasions that I used this it DID relieve the itching. It worked much better in this way than any creams I have used. But how can one use something with such a powerful smell at night or indoors? If it were summer I would simply make sure the dog was out of the way and spray in the garden.

I don't think anyone will believe how overpowering this Mycota spray is unless they too have tried it. I think as it is so strong there should be a large clear warning on the can. I certainly wouldn't have chosen this one if I had known.


Mycota Spray contains undecenoic acid 3.9% and dichlorophen 0.4% and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of Athlete's Foot.

This preparation should be sprayed sparingly on completely dry feet, especially around the toes.

If you still wish to purchase this spray then it is available from many chemists. Prices vary but expect to pay between three to four pounds for this. I would suggest instead, trying the cream or powder.