Athlete's Foot Symptoms

Athlete's foot is a fungal disease caused by a fungus called dermatophytes or trichophyton. It is also known as tinea pedis and is quite a common disease. The fungal infection can occur in any part of the body like hands, legs, groin, scalp, etc., but, is more commonly found in feet. It initiates between the toes and spreads to other parts of the foot.

Athlete's Foot Causes
The fungi causing athlete's foot are relatively harmless until and unless they have favorable conditions. They thrive only in moist and warm environment. When a person wears shoes for a longer time, his feet create these favorable conditions automatically which result in fungal growth. As the fungus grows, the skin produces more cells pushing the older cells further. This gives the scaly appearance that is observed in case of this disease. Wearing extremely tight-fitting shoes and socks is the most prominent reason of causing athlete's foot. Similarly, wearing wet shoes, plastic shoes or even wet socks can result in fungal infection between the toes.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot
As mentioned above, most of the symptoms of athlete's foot are similar to other skin diseases, like ringworm.

• Itchy, scaly and red skin
• Dry and flaky skin
• Burning sensation between toes and on soles
• Blisters that may / may not ooze pus
• Swelling of skin

Apart from these, onychomycosis, a nail fungus may also develop, which makes the toenails thick, crumbly and discolored. Athlete's foot symptoms last for 2-10 days and disappear on having suitable treatment.

Is Athlete's Foot Contagious
This disease is highly contagious. It can spread from human to human and also from animals to humans. In humans, it spreads only when there is a direct skin to skin contact. On the other hand, the fungi of athlete's foot can also spread from an object to humans. Fungus causing this disease can be contracted from a swimming pool and showers, as there are high chances of these fungi being present at these places. Similarly, using clothes or the towel of an infected person can also spread the disease.

Athlete's Foot Treatment
If one observes a rash or any kind on the foot or any other part of the body that does not heal even after trying home remedies, he must consult the doctor. If this fungal infection remains untreated for a long time, it can spread to other parts of the feet or body. Skin scrapings and fluid samples will be helpful in determining the presence and cause of the disease. Athlete's foot can be cured by antifungal medications that can be taken orally. Ointments and lotions can also prove useful in early stages. Sometimes, a person may also suffer from the side effects of certain antifungal drugs like stomach upset and abnormal liver functions, but these can be overcome. Sometimes if the fungal infection is accompanied by bacterial infection, the doctor may even prescribe antibiotics.

Athlete's foot can be prevented by maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. One should keep his feet dry and clean, and always dry between the toes after having a bath. Similarly, shoes and socks should be clean, dry, well ventilated and should not be worn for a long time. One should wear waterproof shoes in showers and pools. It is also recommended to not to be bare feet for at least some time and also not to wear the same athletic shoes everyday. Lastly, note that it is essential to look out for athlete's foot symptoms and get it treated as soon as possible.