A foot fungus called Trichophyton causes athlete’s foot and it is actually quite common. The fungus affects the skin’s upper layer and thrives in areas that are warm and moist, especially the feet although fungal infections may affect other parts of the body as well.
Tinea, or the ringworm fungus, causes athlete’s foot and it is also referred to as tinea pedis. This fungus is frequently found in nail salons, in swimming pools, locker rooms, gyms, socks, and other clothing. When a person comes in contact with any of these objects the fungus may spread. Similarly, the fungus may be spread from one person to another.
People are exposed to the fungus all the time, but since it requires a moist and warm environment to grow it won’t always infect the skin. Astoundingly, up to 70% of people will experience athlete’s foot at some point during their life.
Symptoms
Generally, athlete’s foot burns and itches and the skin peels. In severe cases of athlete’s foot the skin may peel, crack, bleed, and be extremely painful. Then, there are some individuals who have athlete’s foot that don’t even realize they are infected with a fungus.
Athlete’s foot may be treated in two ways. First, the area that is affected should be treated in a way to make it a less desirable place for the fungus. This means making it less moist and warm so the fungus can’t grow. The best thing to do is keep the affected area dry and clean. When the feet are affected it’s a good idea to wear shoes made of breathable fibers like leather. Shoes made of vinyl, plastics, or other non-breathable materials will promote the virus. Absorbent socks are also recommended to individuals with athlete’s foot.
A good way to keep feet dry is by using a medicated powder, usually with miconazole as an active ingredient. There are solutions like aluminum acetate that can also dry your feet. Some individuals find relief in vinegar and water soaks a couple times per day. The next part of the treatment for athlete’s foot includes uses antifungal creams. There are many different types of antifungal creams available including clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and the like. They may come in creams, sprays, or lotions. It usually takes four weeks for athlete’s foot to be cured so treatment should continue for at least this length of time. There are oral pills that should be taken for individuals that have a resistant or severe case of athlete’s foot. The toenails should also be treated when treating athlete’s foot to avoid re-infecting the feet at a later date. If self care does not result in a complete cure of the fungus then you should make an appointment with your doctor.