Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is not a disease, but is a fungal infection that can spread from person to person, and usually attacks the foot area, particularly between the toes. It is extremely irritating and itchy, and in some cases can actually be painful to those who suffer from it. This fungal infection can thrive and live in wet or damp, warm areas where people walk such as gymnasium showers, tile floors, or even wet bath mats. The fungus spreads when one person has it, and it is then passed on to the damp surface. It can last for several weeks and can take a long time to heal once treated. Although the name sounds like it only affects people who play sports, athlete's foot can affect anyone, even children.
Why does athlete's foot develop?
Athlete's foot needs more than just a moist environment to develop. Warm, moist places are ideal for this particular strain of fungus, so sweaty and damp socks are the perfect place for it to grow. This is a distinct reason why it takes such a long time to heal once treatment begins. Contact with the fungus develops when people step on areas where it has already been present. The fungus is constantly just sitting and growing, and once skin comes in contact with it, it "grabs" onto the skin of the foot and begins to feed on it. Ideal conditions such as dirty areas where standing water has been sitting only encourage the fungus to develop and spread. People who do not dry their feet properly after swimming or bathing are helping to encourage the growth of the fungus. In addition, floors that are not properly cleaned on a regular basis are a breeding ground for athlete's foot fungus.
What does athlete's foot look like?
Most cases of athlete's foot are accompanied by redness of the skin. The foot skin can also have a dry, flaky appearance. Sometimes pustules or blisters will form, and usually between the toes. These pustules can be quite painful and cause a burning sensation. Athlete's foot causes the skin to be quite itchy, which will result in inflammation. This is usually as a result of people scratching their feet and causing the skin to be irritated. Scaly skin is also common, as well as toenail infections. On occasion, the skin can crack and cause serious pain and/or bleeding. Rashes can form depending on the severity of the fungus and how far it has spread. In a few cases, the fungus can actually also spread to the groin area.
How is athlete's foot diagnosed?
If a patient has recently been in a public bathing area, and suddenly has an itching or irritation of the feet, they may have athlete's foot. A primary care physician can usually make the diagnosis but sometimes a dermatologist is required. The doctor may take a sample of the skin and examine it under a microscope. They are looking for the fungus under the lens and can usually see it fairly quickly. The doctor may use a special substance similar to what is used to diagnose strep throat. This substance will help the doctor better see what is located on the skin so that they can pinpoint the athlete's foot fungus. The usual symptoms of athlete's foot are usually enough for a dermatologist to make a diagnosis. Combined with the redness of the skin on the feet, doctors can pinpoint the problem fairly quickly.
How is athlete's foot treated?
In most cases, over the counter topical sprays and creams are used to treat athlete's foot. This cream or spray should be applied to the affected areas at least twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. The medication should only be applied to cleaned, dried feet. Sometimes anti-fungus medications must be prescribed through a physician. This medication is manufactured to kill any fungus growing on the skin or in the body. Certain anti-fungal foot soaks can also be prescribed by doctors to help treat the problem. Topical sprays or creams are the most commonly used methods to treat athlete's foot, and treatment can last anywhere from one week to a month or two. Treatment should continue until there are absolutely no more signs that the fungus is present.
What is the best way to prevent athlete's foot?
The best way to prevent getting athlete's foot is to keep the feet as clean as possible. Wear protective shoes (like flip flops) when showering in public places such as the gymnasium. It is also very important to thoroughly dry the feet after showering. Make sure no water is between the toes, and change towels or wash towels every time you shower. In addition, changing socks at least once per day can also help to prevent athlete's foot. Wearing cotton socks with "breathable" material is also helpful since it allows the skin of the feet to get air and stay fairly dry. Staying barefoot while at home is also helpful since the feet will stay cool and dry.