Athlete’s foot is not a specific athletic ability. It is a dermatomycosis, a skin infection caused by a microscopic fungus that most commonly manifests as peeling skin or cuts between the toes. Luckily, there are effective treatments that can help you overcome them.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
An estimated 15-30% of the population is affected by skin fungi. The very common athlete’s foot or interdigital plaque is considered the most widespread skin disease. Cracks may appear on the very hardened skin. It is highly contagious, so treatment and adherence to hygiene rules are essential to prevent recurrences, which are very common.
If only the toenails are affected, it is called onychomycosis.
Onychomycosis: inflammation of the skin under the nail.
Paronychia: chronic inflammation of the skin around the nail.
Causes of highly contagious athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is an infection caused by dermatophyte fungi or yeasts. Dermatophytes
Dermatophytes are filamentous fungi that live in non-human environments, such as in soil, dust, and on the bodies of animals. Thus, fungi such as microsporum, tinea, and epidermophytes can be found on the skin. The latter feed on keratin, a protein present in the skin. When the fungus gets on the skin or nails, it attaches there and promotes the development of mycoses.
Yeast
Yeast is a type of microscopic fungus. The most common is Candida, the yeast that causes candidiasis. This fungus grows more easily in an acidic environment, in sweaty areas, or at the level of microlesions on the feet.
Dermatophytes and yeasts prefer a warm, moist environment. For this reason, humid places such as gyms, locker rooms, pools, and steam rooms are environments that favor the occurrence and development of mycoses, as is wearing tight or plastic shoes that prevent the evacuation of sweat.
Athlete’s foot is therefore called this mycosis because it often occurs in athletes who wear closed shoes and sweat excessively due to sports activities. However, it is not limited to this population. Children or adults, men or women can be affected, although men are more susceptible to this type of infection.
Direct skin contact:
infected person to infected person or by contact in a damp environment.
Indirect contact through hair or contaminated floors (carpets, socks, bathroom floors, etc.).
Symptoms: How to identify athlete’s foot (itching between the toes, on the toes and nails, etc.)? The symptoms of foot mycosis are very characteristic and are enough to make the diagnosis without the need for additional tests. Interdigital athlete’s foot is the most common form. It occurs between the fourth and fifth toes and can manifest as:
Red, cracked and peeling skin (peeling)
Severe itching can be unbearable, but not painful
Cracks in the gaps between the toes and in more advanced stages very painful cuts.
Athlete’s foot can also affect the entire foot, causing peeling skin in several areas, especially the arches.
Another form of athlete’s foot is bullous tinea, which appears as painful blisters or blisters between the toes, on the arches and sides of the feet.
Possible complications of athlete’s foot
If left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to the nails and cause onychomycosis. They can also become sites of bacterial superinfections, leading to serious complications. The most feared is bacterial cellulitis. It is caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria and can spread uncontrollably throughout the body, making it a true medical emergency.
What is the most effective treatment for nail fungus?Treatment for athlete’s foot:
How to treat athlete’s foot fast?There is no natural cure for athlete’s foot. For mild cases of athlete’s foot, drug treatment is possible without a prescription. Simply apply a topical antifungal cream, available over the counter at any pharmacy, to the affected area. It is available in cream, lotion, powder, and aerosol form. Treatment lasts from two to four weeks. It is important to continue treatment for the prescribed period, even if the symptoms disappear. These antifungal drugs cure 70-80% of cases.
Contraindications for antifungal creams (against fungi)
Do not use topical antifungal treatment if:
If there is any doubt about the type of infection.
The soles of the feet or fungus are affected by mycosis.
The skin of the feet is moist and has an unpleasant odor.
The symptoms persist and worsen.
You are diabetic (a risk factor for athlete’s foot).
If the person in question is a child under 12 years of age.
You suffer from immunodeficiency.
The lesions of mycosis are macerated.
What is the magic trick against fungal infections?
There are also tips to supplement the treatment, such as antifungal foot baths. You can take a foot bath with red betadine, baking soda or essential oils. Baking soda has antifungal and antiseptic properties. Baking soda helps absorb moisture, making it great for candidiasis. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as cinnamon or rose geranium essential oil, to prevent fungal infections.
After your foot bath, be sure to wipe between your toes with a clean towel. If necessary, use a hair dryer to dry them completely. To treat athlete’s foot, apply antifungal powder after bathing and once your feet are completely dry.
If you suffer from nail fungus, opt for a topical treatment, like gel or nail polish, that you apply to your nails.
What to do if it recurs? However, if topical antifungal treatment has been performed, recurrence is possible, especially if special hygiene measures are not taken in addition to the treatment. The same treatment can then be resumed for twice as long, but only if accompanied by perfect hygiene.
If the treatment is ineffective or if the athlete’s foot is in a more advanced stage, you should definitely see a doctor. The doctor may suggest another topical antifungal treatment or prescribe oral antifungal drugs, but for a period of 2 to 6 weeks. Antibiotic treatment should be combined with antifungal treatment if bacterial superinfection is present.
Preventing athlete’s foot and reducing the risk of recurrence
The best way to prevent the risk of infection and reduce the risk of recurrence of this highly contagious infection is to adopt the following hygiene measures:
Keep your feet clean, fresh and dry. After washing with a mild detergent, thoroughly dry your feet and between your toes with a clean towel.
Do not borrow towels. Like other fungal infections, athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can be transmitted by simple contact when changing the towel used to wipe a contaminated foot.
Wash your hands frequently.
Wash your bedding.
Check other members of his entourage.
Make sure your pet is not a source of transmission of mycosis.
Wear sandals in humid public places (swimming pools, sports locker rooms, saunas, hammams, etc.).
Choose sports shoes that are breathable. Always remove the soles and air them after your session.
Avoid wearing shoes without socks and choose socks made from natural fibers (cotton or wool) that absorb moisture well. Do not hesitate to change your socks during the day if you sweat excessively.
Apply talcum powder or antifungal powder to your feet or inside your shoes to absorb moisture.
Disinfect your bathroom and amenities (towels, bathmats, washcloths, etc.) in case of infection.
People with diabetes or a compromised immune system are at higher risk of complications than others. These people should pay particular attention to foot hygiene and report any symptoms that may be athlete’s foot to their doctor.