Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the foot. The fungal infection known as athlete’s foot, as it is usually seen on athletes. Even though the infection isn’t serious, it can sometimes be hard to cure. This is especially true if you have a weak immune system or diabetics.
Causes
Athlete’s foot fungal infection occurs when the tinea fungus infects the feet. Direct contact with an infected person or touching surfaces contaminated by the fungus can cause infection.
The fungus thrives in moist and warm environments. It’s commonly found around swimming pools, locker room floors and showers. If you visit these public places barefoot, you increase the chances of infection.
The foot infection can spread to other parts of your body like hands and nails and cause complications if it is not treated at the earliest.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- Itching, burning and stinging feeling between the toes and the soles of the feet.
- Cracked or peeled skin.
- Blisters on the feet.
- The skin cracks and peels away on the feet.
- Discolored toenails.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of athlete’s foot done by scrapping skin off the foot and inspecting it under a microscope. Evidence of the fungus is visible under the microscope.
Treatment of the fungal infection done with over the counter antifungal medications. If over the counter medications are not effective, the physician can prescribe oral or tropical antifungal medications.
Home treatments are also recommended to clear up and heal the infection. Soaking the feet in salt water can help dry and heal the blisters.
Keep the feet dry to kill the fungus and prevent further infection. Prevent such infection by wearing sandals at public places like locker rooms and swimming pools. Allow the feet plenty of air and keep them dry and clean.
