Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection

The athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that generally begins between the toes. It typically occurs in people with sweaty feet while confined to totting shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a dry rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning.

Symptoms and Signs of Athlete’s Foot

Foot pain and swelling White, foul-smelling patches in and around the toes or heels. Cobblestones or stone dust from being shoeless. Mouth ulcer scarring on the nails, eggs shells, and other foreign materials. Athletes’ foot is more common in athletes or travellers, especially those who spend much time barefoot or walking barefoot. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include a dry, scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. It’s also a common fungal infection among those whose sores have already developed. Tinea pedis can be treated effectively with anti-fungal medication or by applying heat, creams or aloe vera gel.

Causes and Risk Factors for Athlete’s Foot

Combined with wet, humid environments, shoe or sock condensation can lead to an athlete’s foot infection. Another risk factor for an athlete’s foot is soil and mud exposure. Ranging from rural environments to urban areas, people in these regions are more likely to develop athlete’s foot than those in more temperate climates. Some familiar sources of athlete’s foot infection include overly-dry and scaly feet caused by inadequate deodorant or sweaty feet; harsh environmental conditions, such as dry climates and outdoorsy footwear; moist, slippery, poorly ventilated areas, such as locker rooms and gyms; perfume or scented lotions Diet may also be a factor.

How the fungus spreads

You can spread athlete’s foot by wearing tight-fitting footwear, such as sandals and flip-flops after your feet have become moist. When your feet are wet, there is an increased risk of athlete’s foot. Fungus looks When the fungus infects the feet, it can look like a brown or black discoloured patch on the outside of your skin. The main sign is the characteristic blisters that form around the corner of the foot. The fungus is sometimes so itchy that it causes peeling skin on the feet. In extreme cases, people may develop an ulcer on their skin or ulcerative keratitis, which is the formation of a white ulcer on the skin. How to prevent athlete’s foot If you notice signs of athlete’s foot, it is vital to stay vigilant.

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

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Athletes’ feet can be prevented by regularly washing them before bedtime and wiping them with wet clothes at the end of a hard day. Another simple method to help prevent athlete’s foot is to sleep in cotton underwear instead of a synthetic tight-fitting or heavily soiled pair of pants. How to Treat an Athlete’s Foot: 

Prevention and Treatment

 The treatment for an athlete’s foot can be easily managed if diagnosed in the early stages. The infection must be kept at bay, and a slow withdrawal of the fungus from the skin and surrounding tissues is best accomplished by keeping the feet clean. Treatments for athlete’s foot include oral anti-fungal drugs, a cream containing oral fungicide, ointments, and poultices. Anti-fungal creams are helpful if the fungus is already on the skin.

Treatment Options for Athlete’s Foot

It is essential to look for the following: Treatment that is appropriate for the condition. Some symptoms require more potent medication. Sometimes, mild antibiotics are prescribed. They are generally prescribed for a more extended period and not every time athlete’s foot occurs. Petroleum jelly or Vaseline can be used on afflicted feet. Change socks often. Avoid the use of shoes or tight-fitting shoes for an extended period. Read any home remedy’s label and ensure the product is not contraindicated for your condition. Read the instructions for any over-the-counter cream, ointment or lotion provided.

Conclusion

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the feet, affecting more than 4% of the population. The anti-fungal treatment effectively reduces the symptoms of an athlete’s foot and may reduce or prevent infection. References: Chen L, et al. Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium complex infection among athletes in Hong Kong.