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What Causes Athletes Foot Fungus? | Athletes Foot Fungus Symptoms | Is Athletes Foot Fungus Contagious? | Athletes Foot Fungus Prevention | Athletes Foot Fungus Treatment | Can Athletes Foot Cause Serious Illness?
What Causes Athletes Foot Fungus?
Athletes foot is caused by the ringworm fungus (tinea pedis). It is a common fungal infection that usually appears during warm weather. Up to 70% of the population will have athletes foot at some time during their lives. These fungi most commonly grow in the warm, moist areas between the toes. Many people have the fungus present on their skin but are unaffected by the microscopic organism. Conditions such as bruising or cracks in the skin allow entry for the fungus. The fungus usually attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.
Athletes Foot Fungus Symptoms
The fungus can produce mild scaling with or without redness and itching. The scaling may involve a small area or the entire sole of the foot, sometimes even the toenails are involved. Scaling can in some cases be severe with painful cracking of the skin (between the toes). Fluid-filled blisters can also form and often lead to cracks or fissures of the skin between the toes. When the blisters break it exposes raw areas and can cause pain and swelling. This produces an itchy burning or stinging sensation as the infection spreads.
In some cases athletes foot fungus can cause a dry, scaly reddish "moccasin-like" area over the soles and the sides of the feet. The skin usually peels and in severe cases the skin may crack and bleed.
When the skin is injured by the fungus, bacteria can also invade the skin. These bacteria can cause a bad smell. Bacterial infection of the skin and resulting inflammation is known as cellulitis.
Is Athletes Foot Fungus Contagious?
The athletes foot fungus may spread to other parts of the foot and the toenails. If it spreads to the toenails it causes the toenails to become thick and crumbly. Athletes foot fungus can also spread to your hands and fingernails. Athletes foot can even be spread to the armpits, groin and face. Athletes foot fungus is spread to theses areas by scratching the infection and then scratching elsewhere. It can also be spread by infected clothing, shoes and bedding etc.
The fungus infection may spread from person to person in communal showers, and bathrooms or in other moist areas where infected people walk barefoot.
Athletes Foot Fungus Prevention
Athletes foot fungus is stubborn and if the conditions are right it will return. Athletes foot is not easy to prevent because it is usually contracted in dressing rooms, showers, and swimming pool locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. Precautions include:
Daily washing of the feet with soap and water. After showering always dry the feet, paying particular attention to the toe webs. Let feet air dry and apply an antifungal foot powder.
Wear waterproof sandals in public showers and pools. Throw away worn-out exercise shoes and never borrow other people's shoes.
When you know your feet are going to perspire excessively for extended periods of time, wear socks made of acrylic fiber. They will allow the moisture to evaporate. Or change socks frequently.
Go barefoot whenever possible around the house and allow feet and shoes to aerate.
Avoid tight, poorly ventilated shoes. Sandals or perforated shoes are best.
Air shoes out frequently and wear a different pair of shoes to allow them to dry well in between.
Athletes Foot Fungus Treatment
The first and most important of any athletes foot fungus treatment is to make the infected area less suitable for the athlete foot fungus to grow. This means keeping the area clean and dry. Buy shoes that are leather or other breathable material, not vinyl.
There are creams, powders, and sprays available, which can mostly be bought over the counter. These work by killing the fungus and need to be applied until the skin seems to be back to normal, and then for a further two weeks to eradicate all the remaining fungal spores.
Can Athletes Foot Fungus Cause Serious Illness?
A fungus rarely spreads below the surface of the body to cause serious illness. Your body usually prevents this. However, people with weak immune systems, such as people with AIDS, may have a hard time getting well from a fungal infection.
If you notice any redness, increased swelling, bleeding, or if your infection is not clearing up, see your healthcare practitioner. If a bacterial infection is also occurring, an antibiotic may be necessary. Diabetic patients should not try and treat this condition themselves, they should seek immediate professional advice.
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