The athlete’s foot, known as tinea pedis is nothing more than a fungal infection that practically starts between the toes and straightens out to other areas of the foot. It is denoted with such a name as it usually happens to anyone who use to put on firm shoes and their feet sweat in them without air thereby encouraging the growth of fungal infection on their body.
An athlete’s foot is usually caused by ringworm and is closely related to jock itching. Moisturized socks or shoes and humid weather creates these organisms to grow and multiply.
It’s very much contagious so it can spread from one person to another when they come in contact with contaminated surfaces, like floors, shoes, and shocks. Even if it is treated without prescription medicine, it will be much better to consult the Médecins Podologues if it persists, become painful, or causes an infection.
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Stakes of Athlete’s Foot: –
You are more likely going to encounter an athlete’s foot at some juncture in your life. Athletes’ foot is a usual infection and is nearly been gauged to 15% of the population affected – especially men, older people, and athletes. Every one of us is more likely in the likelihood when they walk barefoot in communal areas, for example, bathrooms, showers, locker rooms, spas, and saunas.
Owing to this Médecins Podologues recommend using slippers while using public showers as an athlete’s foot can seriously be contagious. It also tends to spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands, fingernails, and groin region since the fungi can be transferred through towels and damp floors.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot: –
So, how will you understand whether you have an athlete’s foot? – It generally starts with red-flaky marks in between your toes. This is mainly usual in between your little toe and the toe next to it. Which is very much tickling and it usually goes worsening after eliminating your shoes and socks.
Even there is also another bracket of this fungal infection wherein patients notice blisters and ulcers in their feet. In case symptoms persist after two weeks of using an anti-fungal treatment for an athlete’s foot, it is best to consult with a doctor.
How the diagnosis of an athlete’s foot is done by the podiatrist?
Owing to the classes of fungal infections that give rise to athlete’s syndrome, a qualified doctor can recommend –
Topical treatment – Various types of skin ointment and sprays are there in the market that can alleviate acute cases of this fungal infection. In case the skin on the sole of your foot is tough or thickened then these topical treatments might not be able to penetrate it. Also, non-prescription preparations practically contain very low doses of the drug intended to get rid of the fungus, whereas your podiatrist can generally recommend a robusting treatment.
Oral Prescriptiions – Regardless of the topical treatment in case your athlete’s foot persists, you will require an oral antifungal medicine to eliminate the infection.
Home remedies – Dipping your feet in vinegar or other home remedies can alleviate the symptoms of an athlete’s infection though it will not able to stop a chronic case from coming back.
A cleansing regimen – A better podiatrist can suggest a way out to keep your future infections at bay through lifestyle changes, such as keeping your feet clean and dry daily.
How Can an Athlete’s Foot Be Treated and Prevented?
There is a myriad number of constructive non-prescription medications that can heal severe cases of athlete’s foot condition. These combine powders, sprays, and creams that are perfectly used to treat them. But even if it doesn’t ameliorate, it will be wise to consult with a podiatrist for further evaluation and perhaps prescription strength treatment.
The finest precaution to avert athlete’s foot is by fending them from occurring in the first place. That’s why we recommend the following points to help you to discourage the red, scaly itch from your feet: –
1. Try to neglect the utilization of shared bathrooms and showers. In case you utilize this communal bathroom or shower, always have your sleepers to protect your feet. And do not remove them during your entire shower time so that your feet come in contact with the wet floor.
2. Dried your feet well, particularly after exercising. The fungus that drives athletes’ feet to prosper in warm, damp areas.
3. Always ensure that your shoes and socks are not wet. In case these things of yours are dampened then make sure to eliminate them as soon as possible to avert fungi from growing and breeding.
4. In case you already have had athlete’s foot before, particularly recently, it is best to use anti-fungal treatments on your feet to avert recurrence.
So, that’s what we have got for visiting the Médecins Podologues for athlete’s foot.