Athlete’s Foot: Is it exclusive to sportsmen?

Andrew is a hardworking construction worker. Recently, he experienced itching between his toes. Blisters and cracks were also found between his toes and on his soles. Soon enough, the wounds on his feet began to ooze fluid and smell bad. During the consultation, his general practitioner discovered that Andrew often worn wet boots that exposed his feet to long hours of moisture. The doctor diagnosed him with athlete’s foot and also prescribed antifungal cream and powder to help manage the condition.

Eager to learn more about athlete’s foot, Andrew did some research to satisfy his curiosity.

Althlete’s Foot Fungal infection in between toes

1. What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a mildly contagious fungal infection. It usually affects the skin on the feet, but it can also spread to the toenails and the hands.

The fungus spreads through direct contact with the infection and by skin particles left on towels, shoes, or floors.  Besides that, people with weak immune systems or diabetes are more susceptible, especially with open cuts or sores on their feet. The fungus thrives in a warm and wet environment, such as in public changing rooms, showers and pools.

2. Can I get athlete’s foot if I don’t play sports?

Contrary to its name, athlete’s foot can affect anyone even if they do not play sports. In fact, it is common in people’s feet that are exposed to sweat moisture and damp places. As athletes frequent public changing rooms and showers, hence they are more likely to pick up the fungus, particularly when they use these facilities with their barefoot.

3. How is athlete’s foot treated?

Athlete’s foot can often be treated with topical antifungals (fungal medication applied directly to the skin). It is recommended to continue treatment for the entire period as directed by the doctor or pharmacist, to prevent the infection from returning, even if the symptoms had cleared.

Sometimes, the treatment regime could include other medications. For instance, oral antifungals may be prescribed if symptoms persist despite using topical antifungals. Topical steroids may be helpful to reduce painful inflammation. Oral antibiotics will be necessary if bacterial infection occurs due to raw skin and blisters.

Athlete’s foot rarely clears on its own. In fact, the condition would only worsen and lead to other infections. Eventually, the condition may become more complicated to treat. Hence, seek treatment as soon as possible.

4. How can I prevent athlete’s foot from coming back?

Practising healthy lifestyle helps to prevent athlete’s foot. These are some useful tips:

• Dry the feet carefully, especially between the toes.
• Avoid walking barefoot in damp places, including public changing rooms, showers and pools.
• Remove shoes at home to allow time for the feet ‘breathe’.
• Wear clean socks every day and change them if the socks get wet.
• Choose cotton, silk or wool socks to absorb moisture away from skin.
• Wear shoes made of breathable materials.
• Alternate between two pairs of shoes, wearing each pair every other day, to allow shoes to dry out between use.

In short, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually affects wet feet. However, it is an easily treatable condition when you seek early treatment. Nevertheless, keeping the feet clean and dry is necessary to prevent athlete’s foot.

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Tags

• antifungal
• Athlete’s Foot
• fungal infection
• infection