Athlete’s foot is one of the fungal infections that affect the toes. It mainly affects people whose feet are sweaty or those whose feet are confined with tight shoes. It is closely related to some fungal infections like jock itch and ringworm.
The common symptoms and signs of athlete’s foot include scaly rash, which causes burning, itching, and stinging. This disease is highly contagious, and it can easily spread via towels, clothing, and contaminated floors. It is either treated using prescription or conventional anti fungal medications.
Causes
This disease is caused by the same fungus that causes jock itch and ringworm. Some of the predisposing conditions that favor the growth of fungus include humid and warm conditions, damp shoes, and socks. As mentioned earlier, this disease is contagious. It is mainly spread by contacting an infected person or contaminated items or surfaces like shoes, floors, and, towels.
Risk Factors
You will be at high risk of contracting this disease if;
- You are a man.
- Frequently wears tight shoes or damp socks.
- You walk barefooted, especially in public areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, showers, and communal baths. These are some of the common areas where one can easily get infected.
Symptoms
This disease is known for causing scaly red rashes in the foot of the affected person. These rashes begin in between one’s toes. This is followed by itching, especially after taking off socks and shoes. In addition to this, other types of athlete’s foot feature ulcer or blisters.
For instance, moccasin, which is a special type of athlete’s foot, is known for causing scaling and chronic dryness on the soles. Moccasin is a fungal infection that can affect both or one foot or even spread to your hands. Your hands will be affected if you are using them to scratch the infected areas of your feet.
It is advisable to see a medical practitioner if the rashes on your feet do not improve after self–treatment. Individuals who have diabetes are likely to experience a secondary bacterial infection characterized by excessive swelling, redness, fever, or drainage.
Complications
This disease can spread to other parts of the body that are not treated. Some of the areas affected by athlete’s foot include the groin, your hands, and nails.
Prevention
As the wise saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The following are some of the tips you can follow to ease the symptoms of possible infection or avoid athlete’s foot;
- Keeping the feet dry, especial the areas between the toes.
- Changing socks regularly – Consider changing socks twice on a daily basis if you have sweaty feet
- Alternating your pairs of shoes
- Protecting your feet, especially in public places. You can do this by wearing shoes, or sandals around showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms
- Avoid sharing shoes
- Treating your feet using powder and anti fungal drugs