By kkhealthcarecentre 
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as Tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It can spread to the toenails and occasionally to the hands. This condition got its name because it’s often found in athletes. While not usually serious, athlete’s foot can be tricky to get rid of. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system and think you may have athlete’s foot, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.
Typically, athlete’s foot causes itching, scaling, and redness. In more severe instances, the skin may blister. It can affect any part of the foot, but it usually appears between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
This infection happens when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. You can catch it through direct contact with someone infected or by touching contaminated surfaces. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas and is often found in showers, locker room floors, and around swimming pools.
Who Can Get Athlete’s Foot?
Anyone can contract athlete’s foot, but certain habits can increase your chances. These include:
– Going barefoot in public places, especially locker rooms, showers, and pools
– Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with someone who has the infection
– Wearing tight, closed-toe shoes
– Keeping your feet wet for extended periods
– Having sweaty feet
– Having minor foot skin or nail injuries
What Are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot can show up in different ways, including:
– Itching, stinging, and burning between the toes or on the soles
– Itchy blisters on the feet
– Cracking and peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles
– Dry skin on the soles or sides of the feet
– Raw skin on the feet
– Discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails
– Toenails detaching from the nail bed
How Is Athlete’s Foot Treated?
You can often treat athlete’s foot with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams. If these don’t work, your doctor may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications. They might also suggest home remedies to help clear the infection.
Prescription Medications
Your doctor could prescribe:
– Topical, prescription-strength clotrimazole or miconazole
– Oral antifungal drugs like itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or prescription-strength terbinafine (Lamisil)
– Topical steroids to reduce painful inflammation
– Oral antibiotics if a bacterial infection arises due to skin damage and blisters
Home Care
Your doctor might recommend soaking your feet in saltwater or diluted vinegar to help dry out blisters.
Complications
Athlete’s foot can sometimes lead to complications. Mild issues could include an allergic reaction to the fungus, causing blistering on the feet or hands. There’s also a risk that the fungal infection might come back after treatment.
More severe problems can occur if a secondary bacterial infection develops, potentially causing your foot to become swollen, painful, and hot. Signs of bacterial infection include pus, drainage, and fever. This type of infection can spread to the lymph system, potentially leading to infections in the lymph vessels (lymphangitis) or nodes (lymphadenitis).
Prevention
To help prevent getting athlete’s foot, you can:
– Wash your feet with soap and water daily, drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes
– Use antifungal powder on your feet daily
– Avoid sharing socks, shoes, or towels
– Wear sandals in public showers, swimming pools, and other public places
– Choose socks made from breathable materials like cotton, wool, or moisture-wicking synthetics
– Change socks when your feet get sweaty
– Let your feet air out at home by going barefoot
– Wear shoes made of breathable materials
– Rotate between two pairs of shoes, allowing each pair a day to dry out before wearing again