Athlete's foot fungus is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It can also spread to the toenails and hands. A fungal infection is called athlete's foot because it is common in athletes.
Despite the name, athlete's foot can happen to anyone. It can lead to peeling, cracking, and itchy skin on the soles of the feet and between the toes.
Causes of athlete's foot fungus
Tinea pedis occurs when tinea pedis fungi grow on the feet. Fungi grow in warm, humid environments. Commonly found in bathrooms, changing room floors, and around swimming pools [s],[s],[s].
Anyone can develop athlete's foot, but certain behaviors increase your risk. Factors that increase your risk of developing athlete's foot include:
- Visiting public places with bare feet, especially dressing rooms, showers and swimming pools.
- touching an infected person
- Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person.
- Touching objects contaminated with the fungus.
- Wear tight closed-toe shoes.
- Keeping your feet moist for long periods of time.
- Having sweaty feet.
- A minor injury to the skin or nails of your
Symptoms of athlete's foot fungus
There are many possible symptoms of athlete's foot [s], [s], [s], which include:
- Itching, stinging, and burning between your toes or the soles of your feet.
- Blisters on your feet that itch.
- Cracked and peeling skin on your feet, most commonly between your toes and soles.
- Dry skin on the soles or sides of your feet.
- Rough skin on your feet.
- Discolored, thickened and crumbly nails.
- Toenails that move away from the nail bed.
Athlete's foot fungus treatment
It is not quite serious, but it can be difficult to treat. Athlete's foot fungus can often be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications.
If over-the-counter medications don't treat the infection, your doctor may diagnose athlete's foot by symptoms. Or, the doctor may order a skin test. If you suffer from chronic diseases and suspect you may have athlete's foot, you should contact your dermatologist.
Your doctor prescribes topical or oral antifungal medications. Your doctor may also recommend home remedies to help clear up the infection.
1. Medicines that are taken without a doctor
Athlete's foot isn't likely to get better on its own, but you can buy antifungal medication for it at a drugstore. It usually takes a few weeks to work.
- Miconazole (Desenex)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
Anyone can develop athlete's foot, but certain behaviors increase your risk. Factors that increase your risk of developing athlete's foot include:
- Visiting public places with bare feet, especially dressing rooms, showers and swimming pools.
- touching an infected person
- Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person.
- Touching objects contaminated with the fungus.
- Wear tight closed-toe shoes.
- Keeping your feet moist for long periods of time.
- Having sweaty feet.
- A minor injury to the skin or nails of your
Symptoms of athlete's foot fungus
There are many possible symptoms of athlete's foot [s], [s], [s], which include:
- Itching, stinging, and burning between your toes or the soles of your feet.
- Blisters on your feet that itch.
- Cracked and peeling skin on your feet, most commonly between your toes and soles.
- Dry skin on the soles or sides of your feet.
- Rough skin on your feet.
- Discolored, thickened and crumbly nails.
- Toenails that move away from the nail bed.
Athlete's foot fungus treatment
It is not quite serious, but it can be difficult to treat. Athlete's foot fungus can often be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications.
If over-the-counter medications don't treat the infection, your doctor may diagnose athlete's foot by symptoms. Or, the doctor may order a skin test. If you suffer from chronic diseases and suspect you may have athlete's foot, you should contact your dermatologist.
Your doctor prescribes topical or oral antifungal medications. Your doctor may also recommend home remedies to help clear up the infection.
1. Medicines that are taken without a doctor
Athlete's foot isn't likely to get better on its own, but you can buy antifungal medication for it at a drugstore. It usually takes a few weeks to work.
- Miconazole (Desenex)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
2. Medicines prescribed by a doctor
Some of the prescription medications your doctor may prescribe for athlete's foot include the following [s]:
- Clotrimazole - Miconazole
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)، - Fluconazole ( Diflucan)، - Terbinafine (Lamisil).
- Steroid
- Oral antibiotics if a bacterial infection develops due to raw skin and blisters.
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4. Alternative treatment
Tea tree oil as an alternative treatment for athlete's foot has been with some success. A study from 2002 reported that a 50 percent solution of tea tree oil effectively treated athlete's foot in 64 percent of trial participants.
Ask your doctor if a tea tree oil solution can help athlete's foot. Tea tree oil can cause contact dermatitis in some people.
Prevention of athlete's foot fungus
To reduce the chance of getting athlete's foot, dermatologists recommend the following precautions [s]:
1. Wear shoes when walking by the water
Wear shower shoes, flip flops, or sandals when walking around a watered place. The fungus causing athlete's foot may be on the ground.
Even when showering at the gym, it's important to wear shower shoes or slippers.
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2. Keep your feet dry
Even if you don't walk barefoot in public, keep your feet dry. This fungus thrives in warm, humid areas such as those inside hot, sweaty shoes.
It helps to wear sandals or flip-flops when it's hot outside. Shoes made of synthetic materials such as plastic and rubber are more likely to cause sweating.
Air your feet when you are at home by going barefoot.
3. Wash your feet
Wash your feet with soap and water daily and dry them completely, especially between the toes.
- Use a separate towel for your feet and wash them regularly.
- Gently dry them instead of rubbing them.
4. High temperature washing
Wash socks, sheets, and towels in water that has a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) or higher.
5. Wear socks
Wear socks made of natural fabrics or fabrics that dry quickly or wick moisture from the skin and allow air to circulate, such as cotton or wool.
Also, be sure to change your socks every day and often when your socks get wet and your feet get sweaty.
6. Cleanse the shoes
You can disinfect your shoes with disinfectant wipes, such as Clorox wipes or aerosol sprays.
7. Wear different shoes
Swap out the shoes you wear every day, or a pair of shoes, if possible. To make sure the shoes are dry when you put them on. And to give your shoes time to dry between uses.
Moisture will allow the fungus to continue growing.
8. Using foot powder
Apply antifungal powder to your feet every day.
9. Avoid infection
If you live with someone who has athlete's foot, don't share socks, shoes, towels, or linens with others. Wear shoes on infected areas of the feet.
10. Avoid touch
Do not touch or scratch the affected skin, as it may spread to other parts of your body.
11. Soak your feet
Your doctor may recommend soaking your feet in salt water or diluted vinegar to help dry up the blisters.