Fungal skin infection known as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) typically starts in the space between the toes. It usually happens to persons whose shoes are too tight and their feet have become quite sweaty.
An itchiness and scaling of the skin are indications of athlete’s foot. It is possible for the illness to spread through contaminated flooring, towels, or clothing.
Jockey itch and ringworm are two more fungal illnesses that are closely linked to athlete’s foot. Antifungal drugs can be used to treat it, but the illness frequently returns.
Symptoms
One or both feet may be impacted by athlete’s foot. Typical symptoms and indicators are:
- Between the toes, scaly, peeling, or cracked skin
- Itchiness, particularly immediately after removing socks and shoes
- Inflamed skin that, depending on your skin tone, may look crimson, purple, or grey.
- Stinging or burning
- Slippers
- The skin on the bottom of the foot that rises up the side is dry and scaly.
Causes
The same kind of fungi (dermatophytes) that cause jock itch and ringworm can cause athlete’s foot. The organisms develop best in warm, humid environments with damp shoes and socks.
It is possible for athlete’s foot to spread by coming into touch with an infected individual or by coming into contact with contaminated objects including floors, towels, and shoes. Additionally, it can spread from the foot to other body parts, particularly if you pick or scrape the affected areas of your foot.
Risk elements
Athlete’s foot is more likely to occur if you:
- Wear closed-toe shoes often
- Sweat copiously
- Mats, carpets, bedding, clothing, and shoes should not be shared with someone who has a fungal infection.
- Go barefoot in public places like locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, and shared bathrooms and showers where the virus can spread.
Difficulties
It is possible for the athlete’s foot infection to spread to other warm, damp body areas. Many times, the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot also causes jock itch. Because the fungus can spread through hands and towels, it is usual for the infection to move from the feet to the groyne.
Bacterial infections can sometimes result from it.
Prevention
You can prevent athlete’s foot or stop others from getting it by following these tips:
Give your feet some space. Wear sandals whenever you can to maximize the amount of airflow for your feet.
Every day, wash your feet. Rinse and completely dry your feet, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes, using warm, soapy water. If you are prone to athlete’s foot, apply a medicated powder for your feet (such as Tinactin, Gold Bond, or others) or another medicated powder (such as Lotrimin AF, Zeasorb, or others).
Often change your socks. If your feet get extremely sweaty, change your socks more frequently than once a day. Socks that wick away moisture, like cotton ones, keep your feet drier than socks made of nylon.
Switch up your shoe selection. Wear distinct shoes every day. This allows every wear for your shoes to dry.
When you’re in public, keep your feet safe. When near public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms, wear water-resistant shoes or sandals.
Recognize the factors that could lead to the condition spreading. Don’t share shoes or dirty towels and bedding if you cohabitate.
 typically starts in the space between the toes. It usually happens to){kind=link}