Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. The fungus that causes the infection is called Trychophyton. This fungus thrives in moist warm conditions. Without these conditions, the fungus cannot grow and will not infect the skin. The fungus can be found on floors, in socks and shoes and can be passed from person to person through contact with cuts or abrasions on an infected person.
The fungi grow tendril-like extensions called hyphae. These anchor the fungus into the superficial layer of the skin. In response to the growth of this foreign organism, the basal layer of the skin produces more skin cells and begins to peel. As the new cells position themselves to become the top layer, the skin becomes thick and scaly. Athlete’s foot mainly affects the skin in the spaces between your toes. It can also spread to the toenails and the bottom of the foot.
Athlete’s foot is most common in men between the teenage and mid-life years. It is also more common in people with weaker immune systems. But the prevalence of the infection generally depends on the personal hygiene and daily activities of each individual.
Athlete’s Foot Symptoms
Bad foot odor- Itching/ burning sensation
- Peeling/ cracking of skin
- Itchy blisters
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Cellulitis
- Thick, crumbling and discolored nails
Diagnosis of Athlete’s Foot
A physician usually diagnoses Athlete’s Foot by visual observation of the symptoms and physical appearance of the infected area. A microscopic examination of skin sample will be ordered by the doctor to determine the type microbe of causing the infection, this rules out bacterial infection. Another test is to grow a culture of the fungus from a swab of the patient’s skin in a petri dish.
Athlete’s Foot Treatment
The best way to treat Athlete’s Foot is to make the foot unconducive to the living conditions of the fungus. This means the foot will have to be kept clean and dry. It helps to wear shoes that have breathable material, such as leather. Even sandals or perforated shoes will do a good job of keeping the feet aired out.
Normally, athlete’s foot treatment is simple and generally involves buying the treatment a physician recommends, then following through with the treatment at home. For mild fungal infections physicians usually recommend a prescription or over-the-counter antifungal ointments. The majority of infections will respond well to typical fungal medicines such as:
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Clotrimazole
For infections that do not respond to the over the counter remedies, oral medications may be prescribed. These include:
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
- Terbinafine
Side effects of these medications include gastrointestinal upset, abnormal liver function and rashes.
To relieve itching and burning especially if severe peeling is occuring, some doctors recommend putting the feet in a solution of aluminum subacetate, or 30 percent aqueous aluminum chloride for 20 minutes, 2 times a day.
Athlete’s Foot Prevention
Athletes Foot is definitely something that can be prevented. This can be primarily achieved by keeping feet dry and wearing clean socks and shoes. When drying feet after getting them wet, it is important to pay particular attention to the spaces between the toes. When playing sports or in a situation where feet are sweating (such as hot or humid weather), wearing socks with absorbent fibers is the best way to keep the toes dry. Another tip is to never go into public toilets or bathrooms barefoot.
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Comments
nishaka says:
hi have white spot in my back i m so worried what it can be its itching on skin all opver my foot please can someone tel me what it can be
jennifer says:
hey i hv got fungal infection on my back,,,,it just spreads,,,,and i hav got it in various places,,,a white layer just gets peel off often,,,and the size gets larger too,,,i m takin treatment,,,,but it takes much time to react,,,wat can i do????