Athlete’s foot is a fungal toenail infection and it’s very common. Exposing yourself to the fungus can cause you to easily contract it. Many people may get athlete’s foot when they are going barefoot in moist, warm areas such as locker rooms.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot can vary. They can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on every patient. In most cases, however, the main symptoms include:
The infection only affects the feet, but it can spread to your hand if you scratch or touch the affected area. Here are some tips to follow when you suspect athlete’s foot.
If you think you have athlete’s foot, first see your dermatologist. He or she can recommend some tests to identify the problem. These tests may include:
A skin test is used when doctors aren’t sure whether you have a fungal infection. Skin lesion KOH exam is a specific test for fungal lesions. In this test, doctors scrape a dead skin over the lesion, place it in a KOH solution and examine it under the microscope. Skin lesion biopsy is a simple test for athlete’s foot. Doctors usually remove a small bit of the affected skin and test it in a laboratory. A fungal culture test is used to identify the specific fungi in the affected skin. Doctors also use this test to detect the cause of the infection or determine if a treatment is working.
Athlete’s foot does not usually go away on its own. So, for safety’s sake, you need to confirm the causes and risk factors behind the condition. Several lifestyle habits can put you at an increased risk of getting athlete’s foot. These are:
In many cases, athlete’s foot is mistaken for dry skin, eczema, and a bacterial infection. So it’s very important to see a dermatologist.
Learn more: Poor Personal Hygiene Linked to Fungal Nail Infections
Right now, the best treatment for athlete’s foot is an oral antifungal pill prescribed by a doctor. You must take it every day for 2 to 3 months. However, it is not recommended for everyone. Oral antifungal medications can cause some side effects. For instance, they can interact with other medications you’re taking. Or, they can affect the liver and cause liver damage. So if you have a weak immune systems or a liver disease, you shouldn’t use these medications.
Some common prescription medications for athlete’s foot include:
Doctors suggest that you use a prescription if:
If your athlete’s foot is mild, you should use an over-the-counter antifungal cream. This treatment is quite cheap and can help you get relief more quickly. Fugacil is one of the most common creams for athlete’s foot in the market right now. It is made with antifungal nanoparticles and natural oils such as:
Many patients have used this cream and noticed improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. In reality, Fugacil can offer some benefits listed below:
You can also use antifungal sprays or powders to manage the infection. They can help keep your foot dry and prevent fungal growth.
Learn more: Top 7 Home Remedies for Fungal Infections
Fungus is everywhere and you can contract it at any time. Even after the treatment, fungus can return and spread to other areas of the body. Following are some tips to stop athlete’s foot in its tracks.
Learn more: The Color of Your Nails Could Say about Health
The greatest danger of ignoring athlete’s foot is that it can spread to other areas of the body, such as the nails, hands and groin.
If for some reason, you cannot treat your athlete’s foot, at least put some antifungal topical cream on it. This can help you to stop fungus in its tracks and keep the skin intact. In some cases, athlete’s foot spreads and causes the problems:
The best way to avoid complications is to take care of your feet. Wear flip-flops in communal areas. Maintain good hygiene. Avoid using the same shoes and socks with others.
Learn more: 12 Foods to Eat for Thicker Hair and Stronger Nails
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