Athlete’s foot is the fungal skin outbreak, which is mainly confined to the foot. This affects not only the athletes (as its name refers) but also to those non-athletes. This condition may occur anywhere on the foot –the back of the foot, toe webs, or even in the soles. This condition may become so uncomfortable this is why knowing necessary information about it may be a great help. Knowing the causes, symptoms, as well as the treatments for athlete’s foot can be very beneficial when it comes to the curing of the condition. This is since it will be much easier for you to diagnose if you really have the condition or not as well as treating it the right way.
Athlete’s Foots: What is this condition?
This condition is also known as the Tinea Pedis. Athlete’s foot is a condition that is transmittable from one person to another. This fungal infection mainly affects the skin of the feet. Furthermore, this may also spread into the hands and in the toenails. The term itself –athlete’s foot is given to the condition because it is common to see this fungal infection in athletes.
This usually occurs to those people who have sweaty feet that are confined with shoes that are tightfitting. Usually, athlete’s foot is a scaly and red eruption which may come with blisters. Even though it is frequently because of the fungal infection, some other causes may be vague without having any proper testing.
There are a lot of fungi variety, which may cause the onset of athlete’s foot. Furthermore, these fungi can be contracted in various locations, just like in the gyms, swimming pools, salons, locker rooms, contaminated clothing and socks, etc. Furthermore, the fungi that cause the condition may also be spread directly from one person to another by physical contact. Some acquire the condition by walking barefoot in various areas where there are bacteria.
The condition isn’t actually that serious. However, there are times that it is not that easy to cure it because it stays in the foot for a long time. On the other hand, having diabetes or a weak immune system and having athlete’s foot at the same time needs an immediate call to the doctors. The condition is actually closely related to some other fungal infections like jock itch and ringworm. Good thing there are lots of treatments for athlete’s foot over the counter.
Athlete’s Foot: What causes the condition?
The athlete’s foot usually occurs when the fungus grows on the feet. As stated earlier, this fungus can be acquired through direct contact with it. The fungus can be acquired by sharing the same shoes or socks with a person who already has it. Furthermore, the fungus is found in moist places for it to flourish. This makes it easier to transfer with athletes since in the locker room, shower room, and some other places in their gym are moist. Moreover, wearing tightfitting shoes may also increase the risk of having the condition since, it makes the feet moist giving the fungus to develop much easier.
Athlete’s Foot: What are its symptoms?
There are actually a lot of possible signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot. These include:
- The toenails suddenly pull away from the nail bed
- Crumbling, thickening, and discoloration of the toenails
- Raw skin in the feet
- Dry skin on the sides and soles of the feet
- Peeling and cracking of the skin of the feet (more commonly in between the soles and the toes)
- Blisters on the feet that causes itch
- Burning, stinging, and itching of the soles of the feet
- Burning stinging, and itching of the toes
Athlete’s Foot: Who is at risk to it?
Actually, anyone may get the condition, but there are some behaviors that may increase the risk of it. These include:
- Having a minor nail or skin injury on the feet
- Sweaty feet
- Keeping the feet wet for a long period of time
- Sharing the same towel, clothing, shoes, or socks
- Walking into some public places barefoot
Home Remedies and Treatments for Athlete’s Foot
Here are some of the most efficient home remedies and treatments for athlete’s foot:
- Lotion and cream –applying these on your infected feet will help prevent any itching and drying of the skin. Thus preventing the onset of athlete’s foot.
- Garlic –rubbing garlic paste into the feet’s skin will get rid of the fungus that causes the itching in the feet. Moreover, this is the most effective and economical way of getting rid of the condition.
- Isopropyl alcohol –this is beneficial in getting rid of the dry and scaly skin. Furthermore, it also gets rid of the condition much quicker.
- Clean socks –this is one of the best treatments for athlete’s foot. Wearing clean socks will help in not developing the fungus more.
- Sosa –solanum chrysotrichum is a Mexican remedy for the condition. This herb is very effective in keeping the feet dry, thus getting rid of the fungi.
