Athlete’s foot is a common, contagious skin infection that affects the feet. It is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. In addition to itching, burning, scaling, cracking, and blistering the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet, athlete’s foot can also spread to the nails and other parts of the body. This blog post discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of athlete’s foot.
Causes of Athlete’s Foot
The fungus can be contracted directly from an infected person or by touching surfaces that are infected with it. In locker rooms, showers, swimming pools, and saunas, where people walk barefoot, the fungus can be found. You can also contract athlete's foot by sharing socks, shoes, towels, or clothing.
The following factors increase the risk of athlete's foot:
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Wearing tight, closed-toe shoes that trap moisture and heat
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Sweating excessively or having sweaty feet
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Having a minor skin or nail injury on the foot
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Having a weak immune system or a chronic condition such as diabetes
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Having a history of fungal infections such as ringworm or jock itch
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete's foot symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the infection.
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An interdigital infection affects the skin between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes. It causes itching, scaling, peeling, cracking, blisters, and sometimes ulcers.
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A moccasin causes dryness, flaking, thickening, and cracking of the skin. It may also cause thick, brittle, and discolored toenails.
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Symptoms include fluid-filled blisters on the bottom or top of the foot, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosis of Athlete’s Foot
A doctor can usually diagnose athlete’s foot by examining the affected area and asking about the symptoms and history of exposure. A doctor may sometimes take a skin scrape and send it to a laboratory for testing. By doing so, the diagnosis can be confirmed and other conditions can be excluded that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment of Athlete’s Foot
Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal medications can be used to treat athlete's foot. Over-the-counter antifungals can include creams, ointments, sprays, powders, and liquids. Some OTC antifungal medications include clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Micatin), terbinafine (Lamisil), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). They kill the fungus and relieve the symptoms.
A doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or terbinafine (Lamisil) for severe or persistent cases of athlete's foot. Infections within the body can be cleared up with these medications, but they can also cause nausea, headache, liver problems, or allergic reactions.
A doctor may also recommend some home remedies to help heal and soothe an infected area. These include:
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Washing and drying the feet thoroughly every day
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Applying cold compresses or ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
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Soaking the feet in salt water or vinegar water to disinfect and soften the skin
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Applying baking soda or cornstarch to absorb moisture and reduce odor
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Applying tea tree oil or garlic oil to fight the fungus and prevent infection
Prevention of Athlete’s Foot
You can prevent athlete's foot by following some simple hygiene measures and avoiding contact with infected people or surfaces. These include:
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Wearing clean socks and shoes that fit well and allow air circulation
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Changing socks and shoes frequently if they get wet or sweaty
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Wearing sandals or flip-flops in public places where people walk barefoot
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Washing and drying the feet thoroughly every day
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Using antifungal powder or spray on the feet and shoes regularly
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Avoiding sharing socks, shoes, towels, or clothing with others
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Keeping toenails short and clean
Conclusion
Athlete’s foot is a common and contagious fungal infection that affects the feet. It can cause itching, burning, scaling, cracking, and blistering of the skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet. It can also spread to other parts of the body. Athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by a doctor based on the symptoms and history of exposure. Athlete’s foot can be treated with antifungal medications, either topical or oral, that can help kill the fungus and relieve the symptoms. Athlete’s foot can also be prevented by following good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with infected people or surfaces. Athlete’s foot is a treatable condition that does not have to interfere with one’s daily activities and quality of life. With proper care and prevention, people with athlete’s foot can enjoy healthy and comfortable feet.
