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Tinea pedis is one of the most common skin diseases. It is a disease of civilization, it rarely occurs in countries where one walks barefoot or only in sandals. Taking into account the number of infected people (it is estimated that up to 30% of the adult population), athlete’s foot is not only an epidemiological problem, but also a social problem. It is relatively easy to get infected with this disease, while treatment is long and burdensome.
What is athlete’s foot?
Tinea pedis is a consequence of an infection with dermatophyte fungi that have the ability to break down keratin. So they attack the epidermis, nails and hair. About 300 species of pathogenic fungi are distinguished. The most common species responsible for fungal infections are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Mushrooms thrive best in a warm and humid environment. They can be found everywhere. In soil, in stagnant water, on animal hair or human skin. Not all contact with fungal germs must result in an infection. However, if the embryos find favorable conditions, i.e. heat, adequate humidity and damaged epidermis, infection quickly occurs.
Such an ideal place for fungi to live is a foot placed in a tight shoe. This is why athlete’s foot is a common infection. You can get infected with mycosis through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through fungal spores left by a sick person on various objects: carpets, bath mats, the floor.
How can you catch athlete’s foot?
Mycosis of the feet is relatively common among athletes. This disease is commonly called “athlete’s foot” or “athlete’s foot”. Athletes, in addition to wearing indoor footwear in which the feet sweat, are more likely to come into contact with fungal germs in locker rooms or changing rooms, through which many people pass.
Likewise, people who, due to their profession, have to wear suitable protective footwear for several hours a day, e.g. steelworkers or farmers, are more likely to suffer from fungal infections.
You can get infected with mycosis in public places such as swimming pools, saunas, fitness clubs, gyms, gyms, hotel rooms and bathrooms. Walking barefoot in these places is unacceptable.
Some systemic diseases also promote mycosis of the feet. People with an impaired immune system, hormonal imbalance, blood circulation disorders in the legs or diabetes are more likely to develop fungal infections. They are also favored by the use of immunosuppressants, anticancer (cytostatic) drugs and local and systemic antibiotics).
Symptoms of ringworm
Mycosis of the feet in the initial stage is sometimes imperceptible. Slight burning and itching are most often underestimated and attributed to other factors. In the next stage, clearly delineated red spots appear on the skin of the feet, as well as on the toes and the spaces between the toes, especially between the fourth and fifth. They may be accompanied by vesicles filled with serous fluid.
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After bursting, the bubbles form flakes of exfoliating epidermis. The itching and burning become persistent and the skin becomes moist and macerated. The symptoms are more or less bothersome depending on the severity of the infection.
Types of athlete’s foot
Tinea pedis occurs in four clinical forms: interdigital, sweat, exfoliative and ulcerative.
The most common form is the interdigital form. It appears in the space between the fourth and fifth fingers, i.e. in the most tight and humid place. Untreated, it takes up the next spaces between the toes, the back, bottom and sides of the foot, and then the nails. Blisters and longitudinal cracks become visible on the epidermis infected with mycosis. There is also discharge with an unpleasant smell, as well as itching and burning.
The sweat form (dyshydrotic) most often occurs on the underside of the foot, but can also occur in other parts of the foot. There are numerous tiny bubbles that may merge into larger blisters. Bursting bubbles flake off. The skin turns red, the epidermis is thickened and macerated. The change in the epidermis is accompanied by itching. A complication of this form of mycosis may be a secondary bacterial infection.
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Exfoliating (hyperkeratotic) mycosis, commonly known as moccasin mycosis, affects the soles of the feet and their side surfaces. It is characterized by hyperkeratosis of the epidermis. The skin becomes hard and prone to breakage. Typical red spots are formed. Infected epidermis peels off in the form of silvery-white scales. The infection is accompanied by mild itching. However, the disease is often chronic and the changes also affect the nails of the big toe.
Ulcerative mycosis is the least common form. It can occur in people with diabetes. Purulent ulcers may appear on the skin affected by fungal infection.
Mycosis of the feet and prevention
In the case of athlete’s foot, as in the case of other diseases, prophylaxis is an important factor reducing the risk of infection. The feet must not only be properly cared for, but also protected against possible contact with fungal germs.
Mushrooms thrive in a humid environment, so we need to keep our feet dry at all times. So we put emphasis on drying feet carefully after washing, especially the space between the toes. It is also worth giving up socks and shoes made of plastic, which are impermeable to air and make the feet sweat faster. For washing, we use mild soaps that do not disturb the natural protective layer of the skin.
For athlete’s foot, we recommend Fungo Farm Cosmetic 3in1 deodorant available on Medonet Market. We can also find Acerin Foot Protect antiperspirant there.
When using public rooms, such as swimming pools and saunas, we use our flip-flops so that the feet do not touch the ground. It is also good, after staying in such places, to disinfect the feet prophylactically with an antifungal deodorant, and disinfect the shoes. We do not use beauty salons for which we are not sure that the tools are sterilized. It is not allowed to use other people’s personal belongings (towels, files, nail clippers) on which there may be fungal spores.