Athlete's Foot Symptoms and Treatment

Athlete's foot refers to a fungal infection, targeting the foot. The infection is caused by a fungus called dermatophytes that thrives in warm and moist atmosphere. These chiefly infest the dead and tough outer layers of the skin of the feet. Also called tinea pedis, Athlete's foot is generally a harmless foot infection. Apparently at the time shoes were invented, there was no such problem faced. But now it has become very commonplace with several options of treatment for it.

Causes of Athlete's Foot

To begin with, wearing shoes of a person infected with dermatophytes can prove to be disastrous. Any object which could be contaminated with this fungus can lead to this infection. Finally dermatophytes can be passed on from animals to humans.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

Stinging and Itching
There is a stinging, burning and itching sensation on the soles of the feet and toes. This is a very common symptom of athlete's foot.

Peeled and Scaly Skin
One of the most common signs of athlete's foot are cracked and peeling skin, between the toes and soles of the feet. Flaking is also an allied symptom along with the earlier two.

Lesions
White, moist and scaly lesions or sores can form between the toes, spreading to the sole of the foot. In addition to this, one of the common symptoms of athlete's foot is painful blistery lesions which can be weepy and have a strong odor, though these are very rare.

Dryness
Excessive dryness of the skin on the bottom or sides of the feet is seen. That in turn also causes scaling and cracking. Itchy blisters are another manifestation of athlete's foot.

Toenails
In a few cases, toenails may become thick, crumbly, discolored, ragged and pulled away from the nail bed. A type of fungal infection may also occur on account of athlete's foot but it is not necessary.

Severe Symptoms
If not treated in time, severe symptoms can be seen in the form of a secondary bacterial infection. In addition to that, it is possible that the fungus would trigger a reaction leading to tissue breakdown. That is the soggy skin and eroded areas between the toes. In case of acute symptoms, the webbing can be soft and white and soggy coupled with itching and bad smell. In more advanced stages, toe web cracking and oozing of liquid is observed.

Normally this infection remains on a superficial level but it is better to get rid of it as soon as possible. Let's take a dig at how to treat it. Read more on athlete's foot home remedy.

Athlete's Foot Treatment

Basically, topical anti fungal creams or powders or sprays available over the counter are effective enough to deal with the infection. Oral antibiotic pills meant for dealing with fungal infections can also be prescribed. These solutions to this fungal infection can be carried on at home. Some of the main antifungal substances in such creams are miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate. Washing feet properly with water and soap everyday and keeping that area properly dry is another important thing along with using anti fungal product. Vinegar soaks too, prove to be effective in controlling the infection. Read more on athlete's foot cure.

Typically, self care and preventive methods like keeping the feet clean and dry is the best way to keep athlete's foot at bay. Further, avoid wearing someone else's shoes if you have a doubt that the person is having that infection. Take Care!