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Athlete's foot, also known as athlete's foot, is tinea pedis, a fungal infection of the skin of the feet caused by various types of fungi, most often the so-called dermatophytes. In untreated cases, onychomycosis may result in onychomycosis, so it is very important to diagnose the disease quickly and to start appropriate treatment. Check what are the causes and symptoms of athlete's foot and how to treat athlete's foot.

Athlete's foot , also known asathlete's foot , is a type ofathlete's footskinfeetcaused most often by dermatophytes. It is estimated that about 20 percent of the population struggle with athlete's foot. More than 50 percent of people practicing sports struggle with the infection - hence the name of the disease.

Athlete's foot - causes of interdigital mycosis

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by various types of fungi, most often the so-called dermatophytes. Of these, two species are the most active:Trichophyton rubrum(60% of infections) andTrichophyton mentagrophytes var. Interdigitale(25% of infections).

These fungi thrive in warm and humid places. Therefore, the main cause of mycosis of the feet is primarily their poor hygiene - mainly wearing warm and windproof shoes (e.g. rubber) or tight, too small footwear and socks made of plastic - which causes excessive moisture and overheating of the feet.

Fungi also reproduce quickly in gyms, swimming pools, saunas and baths, therefore frequent visits to such places, combined with a lack of hygiene, increase the risk of infection.

The factors contributing to infections and the development of mycosis are scratches and injuries on the feet, which allow the fungus to penetrate deep into the epidermis. Fungi can also be transferred from person to person through direct contact.

Important

Who is particularly at risk of "athlete's foot"?

The risk of "athlete's foot" increases in people with excessive sweating, diabetes and peripheral venous or arterial diseases (eg atherosclerosis of the lower limbs). It is associated with disturbances in the regulation of skin temperature, its ischemia and a greater tendency tomicrotraumas. People who are also at risk of athlete's foot are:

  • elderly
  • overweight or obese,
  • taking certain medications (e.g. steroids or immunosuppressants)
  • with cancer, after transplants
  • with HIV, AIDS
  • pregnant women

In addition, these people are exposed to numerous complications, such as inflammation of the tissues deeper under the skin or inflammation of the lymphatic vessels.

Athlete's foot - symptoms of athlete's foot

Initially, ringworm usually develops between the fourth and fifth toes and spreads easily to the other toes and the sole of the foot, causing these troublesome symptoms. This is because the skin in this area is damp and soft, which weakens its protective barrier function. This is favored by the lack of air, moisture and heat.

People who struggle with "athlete's foot" most often complain about:

  • itchy rash
  • redness and flaking between the toes and soles
  • excessive sweating of the feet
  • a feeling of burning or even "burning" to the feet
  • oozing bubbles
  • foot odor

In turn, cracks (especially between the toes) and the formation of wounds and ulcers indicate an advanced stage of the disease.

Important

The fungal infection can also affect the superficial or dorsal part of the foot, and even the nails. If onychomycosis develops, the patient must be ready for difficult and long-term treatment. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose athlete's foot as early as possible.

Athlete's foot - treatment

Before indicating the type of treatment, the dermatologist performs the so-called mycological examination. It consists in taking samples of lesions, which are then subjected to direct examination (under a microscope) and culture. If a mushroom is grown from the material, it means that the sick person is struggling with mycosis.

Medical examination and differentiation with other diseases that can give clinical symptoms similar to athlete's foot (e.g. interdigital eruption, sweat eczema, psoriasis, callous eczema) is also important.

Depending on the severity of the mycosis, oral (eg Terbinafine, Ketoconazole and Itraconazole) or topical treatments are used. However, in the vast majority of cases, it is enough to use topical treatment, which consists of applying (twice a day) ointment, cream (if the lesions are keratinized foci and the skin is dry and cracking), an aerosol (if the lesions are oozing) or other medications for athlete's foot , which areavailable at the pharmacy. Treatment with this type of drug is long-lasting (from 4 to 6 weeks).

CHECK>>Which medications for athlete's foot are available over the counter?

Important

Treatment of athlete's foot is long-term. However, it is common for patients to stop taking antifungal medications after symptoms have cleared. The consequence of this procedure is that the mycosis is not healed, which leads to frequent relapses of the disease. To make sure the mycosis has healed, you should continue taking your medication for 2 weeks after your skin is in good condition. This will prevent relapse.

Athlete's foot - how to prevent athlete's foot?

1. Footwear should be selected according to the size of the foot. Too small, oppressive shoes not only cause abrasions to the epidermis, but also increase the wetness of the feet. Wearing the same shoes for several days in a row can also be harmful. If you have several pairs of shoes, change them. And in the store, when measuring shoes, remember about socks.

2. In the swimming pool, use bathing slippers, use clean towels to wipe your feet, and avoid walking barefoot in places such as hotels, gyms, etc.

3. After the bath, carefully and gently dry your feet, paying particular attention to the interdigital spaces.

4. Disinfecting shoes, socks and towels also brings good results. You can use antifungal powders for this.

5. Patients with diabetes should pay attention to the presence of possible changes, such as scratches, skin cracks, which should be treated.

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Category:

Dermatology