What is athlete’s foot, and how can you prevent it?

Athlete’s Foot is scientifically known as tinea pedis. It is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. If not treated on time, it can spread to the toenails and even to your hands. It is commonly seen in athletes, which is why it’s called athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot is not a serious infection, but it takes time to cure. If your immune system is weak or you have diabetes, you should immediately consult a doctor to get treatment for your athlete’s foot.

Causes

When the tines fungus grows on feet, it leads to the development of athlete’s foot. You can suffer from disease by making contact with a person who is already infected with the disease. The fungus develops in moist, warm environments. It is commonly often present in locker rooms, showers and around the surface of swimming pools.

Symptoms

There are different symptoms of athlete’s foot. Some of them are listed below.

  • Burning, stinging, and itching between your toes.
  • Itching, burning and stinging on the soles of your feet
  • Itchy blisters on the foot
  • Cracked or peeling skin on skin on the sole and between the toes.
  • Dry skin on the sides and soles
  • Thick, crumbly and discolored toenails
  • Raw skin on feet
  • Toenails that easily pull away from the nail beds

Treatment

Here are some common prevention and treatment methods you can use to ward off athlete’s foot.

Salty solution

Fill a tub filled with warm water and mix a couple of handfuls of salt in it. Soak your feet in the water for 15 to 30 minutes. The salt will act as a disinfectant and help to soften the area infected with fungus. Remove the infected skin. Repeat the process daily until your feet are completely cured.

Medication

Miconazole nitrate is a medication often used to treat fungal infections. It’s an over-the-counter drug you can easily buy from any pharmacist. Apply the medication to the infected area and gently rub it in. You will have to continue applying the medication for 2 days to 4 weeks until all the signs of athlete’s foot are completely gone.

Rub in baking soda

If athlete’s foot infects the skin between your toenails, the best treatment is baking soda. Take a small amount of lukewarm water and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to it. Apply the paste to the infected area, then rinse it with clean water, dry and apply cornstarch.

When you use home remedies to treat athlete’s foot, dead skin will start to appear on your foot. It is important that you use clean, sterilized tools to remove the dead skin from your feet, as the skin are infected and, if not it is not totally removed, might lead to the development of athlete’s foot once again. Afterwards, make sure you keep your feet and shoes dry.

 

*Need help from an urgent care clinic in Miami? Primary Medical Care Center is only a phone call away: 305-751-1500

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