Athlete's foot
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the upper layer of the skin of the foot, especially when it is warm, moist, and irritated.
It is as also known as tinea pedi and ringworm of the foot. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is called Trichophyton and is commonly found on floors and in clothing.
Athlete’s foot fungus only infects the skin if conditions are right – it requires a warm and moist environment, for example, the inside of a shoe. Because of this, only about 0.75 percent of people who regularly walk about barefoot are affected.
It is the most common type of fungal infection. Although it is contagious, athlete’s foot can usually be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medication. However, individuals with a weakened immune system or diabetes should see a doctor as soon as athlete’s foot develops.
These fungi exist harmlessly on human skin. As long as the skin is dry and clean, their reproduction is limited. However, under damp and warm conditions, they multiply rapidly.
If socks are damp and the feet are warm, there is a greater risk of developing athlete’s foot.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing athlete’s foot.
The skin on the foot, especially between the toes, becomes Itchy – there is also a sensation of stinging or burning. The skin may also become:
dry
flaky
red
scaly
cracking
If the patient scratches the affected area and touches other parts of the body, the infection can spread. It is important to treat athlete’s foot as soon as symptoms appear. After touching the affected area, it is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
In the majority of cases, athlete’s foot symptoms are mild, and the patient does not need to see a doctor.
OTC medications can be bought at pharmacies which are effective in clearing up the infection.
Elderly patients and young children should not be given some types of antifungals. Check with a pharmacist, doctor, or nurse, or read the leaflet that comes with the medication carefully.
Dosages may be different for children. Some of the medications are metabolized by the liver and may require blood work to make sure the patient’s liver is healthy before taking.
Some antifungals should not be taken during pregnancy, while others may interfere with the male and female reproductive systems. Individuals who are pregnant, or planning to have children, should check with a doctor.
Most topical medications can be bought OTC. Topical means it is applied directly onto the skin. A pharmacist may recommend one of the following antifungal medications:
clotrimazole
econazole
ketoconazole
miconazole
terbinafine
sulconazole
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Nick
Editorial Team
Journal of Infectious Disease and Pathology