Treatments for Athlete's Foot for Most Infections |
Posted: November 7, 2013 |
What is Athletes Foot?Athletes Foot, also known as tinea pedi and ringworm of the foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially the skin between the toes, spreading to the toe nails and sometimes the hands as well. It is called athletes foot because it most commonly seen among athletes. While the infection may not be too serious in nature, it can be hard to cure and spread to other body parts and other people if timely precautions and treatment is not taken. CausesAthlete’s foot can be fungal infection in the form of ringworm or a jock itch. Fungi and bacteria can be found on anyone’s skin under normal circumstances they are harmless however in moist and warm conditions they can cause infection to the skin. One of the fungi that can cause athletes foot is called Trichophyton. It is commonly found on clothing and the floor. Another fungus is called dermatophytes and this normally inhabits our skin. They do not reach the feet as long as the feet are kept clean and dry. As humid conditions favor an organism’s growth, wearing damp socks and shoes creates humid conditions ideal for causing infections as bacteria and fungi thrive in these conditions. How Does it Spread?Athlete’s foot can spread through two ways, namely: Direct ContactDirect contact involves skin to skin contact. It can result from touching any infected person’s skin and not washing their hands later. Indirect ContactIndirect contact involves touching contaminated objects such as clothing, towels, floor and shoes. Signs and SymptomsHow do you know if you or someone you know has athletes foot? The infection can be recognized when the skin has a rash on it. Common signs are red, dry, scaly and itchy skin. Common symptoms include swollen skin, blisters, burning, scaling patterns, etc. When the infection gets severe, skin may begin to crack and expose the raw tissue inside, increasing the risk posed by the infection. TreatmentSelf-care treatment and anti-fungal infections help in curing athlete’s foot as the fungi responds to the medication. However, if medication is ignored the infection can grow and cause serious complications. Treatment for athlete’s foot includes prescription and usage of over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotions, powders or sprays. If the infection still persists, doctors may opt for a topical medication or oral medication. Self-CareSelf-care techniques are crucial from allowing the fungi to grow. Small basic tips such as keeping your feet clean and dry, washing them as often as possible, wearing clean socks, changing shoes regularly and keeping separate towels can do the trick. Over-The-Counter (OTC) MedicationsOTC medications that are used include Butenafine, Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine and Tolnaftate. Prescription MedicationsWhen the infection gets severe, prescription medicines are used which include topical medications like clotrimazole and miconazole and oral medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan) and terbinafine (Lamisil).
For further details and treatment for athlete’s foot, contact the medical experts at My Lotus Wellness and get expert medical advice to stay healthy and safe.
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