Athlete’s Foot, also known as Tinea Pedis and Ringworm of the Foot, is a contagious fungal infection of one or both feet. It usually begins between the toes and can spread to the hands too. The infection causes itching or blisters on the foot and can lead to rashes as well as dry skin. The condition is more common among athletes, people who are diabetic or have weak immune system.
Athletes Foot can be classified into four categories:- Chronic Interdigital Athlete's Foot
- Plantar Chronic Scaly Athlete's Foot
- Acute Ulcerative Athlete's Foot
- Vesiculobullous Athlete's Foot
Causes
- Fungus Outbreak: Damp socks and shoes can cause the development of fungus, leading to infection.
- Direct Contact: Contamination can be caused due to a skin-to-skin contact with the infected person.
- Indirect Contact: Athlete’s Foot can also spread due to contact with a contaminated object like used towel, shoes, socks, bedsheet etc.
Symptoms
- Itching
- Stinging sensation
- Burning feeling on soles of feet
- Blisters on the skin
- Cracking and peeling skin
- Dry skin on sides of feet
- Discolored toenails
- Redness and softening of the skin
- Flaking
Risk Factors
- Male gender
- Prior history of infection
- Aging
- Weak immunity
- Walking barefoot in public places such as shower rooms, saunas, locker rooms or swimming pools
Diagnosis
The doctor at an urgent care center may physically examine the affected foot by observing the skin closely. He may take skin scrapes from the infected area in order to observe them under a microscope to look for fungal branches. In some cases, the doctor may also send the skin samples for a lab test to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other infections. The skin doctor may also ask questions about the medical history of the patient to get information about any prior skin infections.
Treatment
The doctor may prescribe the patient with topical medication, powders, sprays, ointment or lotion in order to limit the growth of infection causing fungus. The patient may be suggested to use medication for 1-2 weeks in order to prevent the infectious fungus from returning. In order to cure severe infections the doctor may prescribe oral medications.
Prevention
Certain self-care measures like regularly washing the feet, wearing cotton socks, keeping the feet dry, changing shoes often, using clean towels and wearing flip flops etc. can be advised to the patient in order to heal the affected area and preventing the reoccurrence of the infection.
You must visit an urgent care center in order to receive immediate and proper treatment for Athlete's Foot.
