Athlete’s foot is a skin infection of the foot caused by a fungus called “trichophyton,” another medical term for athlete’s foot is also known “tinea pedis” or “foot ring-worm.”
athlete’s foot can be categorized into three: the Chronic interdigital athlete’s foot, the Chronic scaly athlete’s foot (moccasin type), and the Acute vesicular athlete’s foot.
Chronic Interdigital Athlete’s Foot: is considered as the most common type of the skin disease experienced by people. It is usually characterized by scaling, fissures, and maceration found in the 4th and 5th toe webs. This type is usually the result of wearing tight-fitting and non-porous shoes that compress the toes, thus, creating a warm and moist environment between the toe webs.
The Moccasin Type Athlete’s Foot: produces dry, silvery, and very fine scaly skin on the sole of person’s foot. This kink of athlete’s foot does not only infect the feet but the hands as well. People who have eczema or skin asthma are usually prone to this type of athlete’s foot.
The Acute Vesicular Athlete’s Foot: is considered as the least common type of the skin disease and is traced to those who already have chronic interdigital toe web infection. Characterized by the abrupt inception of extremely painful blisters found on the sole or top of the person’s foot, this type is considered as a serious skin disease because leads to waves of blisters visible in the remote sites of the body like the arms, chest, and sides of the fingers.
Signs and Symptoms of Athlete’s foot
- bumps on the feet
- Cracked, blistered, or peeling areas, often found in the toe webs.
- Visible redness and heavy scaling on the soles of the person’s feet.
- “Cheesy” appearance of the skin between the toes.
- Bad odor and heavy sweating.
- Rash that spread from the inside part of the foot to the outside or vice versa.
- Raw skin or fleshy skin that resulted from scratching.
Treatment of Athlete’s foot
A basic routine: This routine should include means of keeping the feet or the infected area always clean and dry. Since the athlete’s foot causing fungi thrive in moist, damp and warm areas, you should make sure that you eliminate possible environments for it to grow.
Clean socks: having a spare pair or pairs so you can change it right away once it gets soaked with sweat. Aside from wearing cotton socks, make sure that you avoid wearing tight or non-porous shoes whenever possible.
Topical creams: A patient can treat athlete’s foot by applying anti-fungal topical medication directly on the infected area. Over counter medication creams usually contain substances that are proven to kill fungi like miconazole, tolnaftate, and clotrimazole.
Medications: a dermatologist or a physician may prescribe oral anti-fungal medication such as pill or tablets to kill the persistent and recurrent skin disease.
Avoidance: you can try to avoid going to places like gym, shower or locker room, changing socks often, and by using talcum powder on your feet to keep it dry.
