Athlete's foot is a skin infection in the foot caused by a fungus. The fungus that causes Athlete foot is called Trichophyton. When the feet, or other areas of the body, stay moist, warm and irritated, this fungus can thrive and infect the upper layer of the skin.
Athlete foot is caused by the ringworm fungus ("tinea" in medical jargon). Athlete foot is also called tinea pedis. The fungus that causes Athlete foot can be found on floors and in socks and clothing. The fungus can be spread from person to person by contact with these objects. However, without proper growing conditions (a warm, moist environment), the fungus will not infect the skin. Up to 70% of the population will have athletes foot at some time during their lives.
Athlete foot is caused by the ringworm fungus ("tinea" in medical jargon). Athlete foot is also called tinea pedis. The fungus that causes Athlete foot can be found on floors and in socks and clothing. The fungus can be spread from person to person by contact with these objects. However, without proper growing conditions (a warm, moist environment), the fungus will not infect the skin. Up to 70% of the population will have athletes foot at some time during their lives.
The symptoms of Athlete foot include itching and burning feet. The skin frequently peels and, in particularly severe cases, there may be some cracking, pain and bleeding as well.
When the skin is injured by the fungus, bacteria can also invade the skin. These bacteria can cause a bad smell. Bacterial infection of the skin and resulting inflammation is known as cellulitis. This is especially likely to occur in the elderly, individuals with diabetes, chronic leg swelling, or who have had veins removed (such as for heart bypass surgery), and patients with impaired immune systems.
When the skin is injured by the fungus, bacteria can also invade the skin. These bacteria can cause a bad smell. Bacterial infection of the skin and resulting inflammation is known as cellulitis. This is especially likely to occur in the elderly, individuals with diabetes, chronic leg swelling, or who have had veins removed (such as for heart bypass surgery), and patients with impaired immune systems.
The treatment of Athlete foot can be divided into two parts. The first, and most important part, is to make the infected area less suitable for the Athlete foot fungus to grow. This means keeping the area clean and dry. Buy shoes that are leather or other breathable material. Shoe materials, such as vinyl, that don't breath cause your feet to remain moist, providing an excellent area for the fungus to breed. Likewise, absorbent socks that wick water away from your feet such as cotton socks will help. Powders, especially medicated powders (such as with miconazole or tolnaftate), can help keep your feet dry. Finally, your feet can be soaked in a drying solution of aluminum acetate (Burrow's solution or Domeboro's solution ).
The second part of treatment is the use of antifungal creams. Many medications are available including miconazole, clotrimazole, etc.
The second part of treatment is the use of antifungal creams. Many medications are available including miconazole, clotrimazole, etc.
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