Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a transmittable fungal infection which affects the feet. It slowly spreads to the toenails and the hands. However, it usually occurs in people whose feet are usually sweaty while restricted within tight fitting shoes. It can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. Athlete’s foot is closely related to many other fungal infections, such as ringworm and jock itch.
It can be treated by antifungal medications. It is called athlete’s foot because the infection usually occurs in the feet of athletes. Although this disease isn’t serious, it is very tough to cure. A person should consult a doctor immediately if he/she has diabetes or a weak immune system due to athlete’s foot disease.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that causes itching, stinging and burning. The rash occurs between the toes. Some types of athlete’s foot have the characteristics of blisters or ulcers, too. This causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up to the side of the foot. Sometimes, athlete’s foot can be mistaken for eczema or dry skin.
Causes
Excess sweet can cause the fungus to grow on the feet. Since this fungus is mostly found in warm, moist environments, they are found in large numbers near showers, on locker room floors, and near swimming pools. The fungus spreads through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces. This condition affects the feet and gradually spreads to your hands if you scratch or pick at the infected parts of your feet.
Risk factors
These factors increase the risk of getting athlete’s foot
- Visiting public places barefoot
- Visiting locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools
- Using socks, shoes of the infected person
- Wearing tight closed shoes
- Keeping feet wet for a longer period of time
- Sweaty feet
- A toenail injury
Treatment
Athlete’s foot has no single treatment as it doesn’t have particular causes. Occlusive shoe materials–for example, vinyl can cause the feet to remain moist and prove to be an excellent area for the fungus to proliferate. Absorbent socks which can wick water away from your feet may help. Some individuals who sweat extremely can benefit from the application of antiperspirants with aluminum chloride. If you prefer home remedies, using one-part vinegar and roughly four parts of water can aid in the treatment of athlete’s foot.
Medications
For fungal infections, there are a lot of options. Many medications are available, including:
- Miconazole
- Econazole
- Clotrimazole
- Terbinafine
- Naftifine
- Butenafine
- Ciclopirox
- Ketoconazole
- Efinaconazole
- Luliconazole
- Sertaconazole
- Sulconazole
- Tolnaftate
The advanced or resistant cases of athlete’s foot may require a course of an oral antifungal agent, like terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole. Laboratory blood tests are necessary to make sure there is no liver-related disease before taking the pills.
