One of our limbs that should not be neglected is the feet. When the feet are not given enough care, some skin diseases occur. The most common of these diseases is athlete’s foot. This type of fungus caused by a fungal infection can cause serious problems in the feet. Also, athlete’s foot is a contagious skin condition. If left untreated, it can easily infect others. Toenail fungus can also be seen together with toenail fungus.
What causes athlete’s foot?
Among the skin diseases, athlete’s foot is a problem that occurs as a result of a fungal infection. Foot fungus is a condition that disturbs people both in terms of health and appearance. Also, people should be very careful as it is a contagious disease. One of the most common complaints seen in athlete’s foot is itching. Along with itching, red rashes occur on the soles of the feet.
This skin disease seen on the feet is more common in men than women. However, it can also be seen in children under the age of twelve. Keeping the feet in the shoes for long hours paves the way for fungal infection. In addition, narrow or small shoes can also cause this situation. Other causes of foot fungus are generally as follows:
- Lack of air in the feet for a long time
- Compression of the feet by wearing socks
- Environments with high temperatures
- Wearing tight or tight shoes
- Weak immune system
- Having diabetes
- Common pedicure sets for foot care in hairdressers or beauty centers
- Insufficient drying of the feet after taking a bath
- humid environments
- Not wearing shoes that protect the feet while in the pool or locker cabins
What are the types of foot fungus?
Foot fungus is a skin disease that bothers people and is contagious. In addition, this fungal infection has a repetitive feature. It is of great importance for people to see a dermatologist who is an expert in the field in case of persistent, long-lasting or recurrent foot fungus. There are many types of athlete’s foot. Types of athlete’s foot, known as a contagious skin condition on the feet, include:
- Intertriginous athlete’s foot: Also known as toenail fungus, this athlete’s foot is mostly seen between the pinky toes. Among the types of athlete’s foot, this type of fungus is the most common. Symptoms include severe itching, scaling and burning sensation. In addition, this type of fungus is a species that is at risk of spreading to the soles of the feet. If it spreads, inflammation may occur in the area.
- Hyperkerotic athlete’s foot: In this type of foot fungus, also known as moccasins, thickening of the skin of the feet may occur. Cracks may occur on the thickened skin surface. Symptoms include flaking, itching, irritation and a feeling of dryness. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the sides and bottom of the foot.
- Vesiculobullous athlete’s foot: In this type of fungus, which is also called blistering foot fungus, water collection is seen in the lower part of the foot. This type of athlete’s foot occurs when these watery blisters burst. When untreated, it progresses and spreads to both the top and bottom of the foot. It can also be seen between the fingers. This type of athlete’s foot is rare.
How is foot fungus transmitted?
Since athlete’s foot is contagious, it should be treated as soon as possible. If not intervened in time, the infection may spread to other places. Fungal infection is of an extremely stubborn nature. Therefore, it is a type of disease with a high risk of recurrence. The topic of what is good for athlete’s foot is an important issue for those who suffer from this disease. There are some methods that can be beneficial in curing this skin disease. Natural methods that can be tried as a definitive solution to foot fungus:
- henna on feet
- Soaking the feet in carbonated water for a while
- Soaking the feet with mushrooms in vinegar water
- Applying lavender oil to feet suffering from fungus
- Washing feet using tea tree oil
- Applying the olive oil and thyme oil mixture to the feet
- Soaking the feet for a while in water dripped with lemon oil
- Applying the previously crushed garlic to the mushroom area, covering it and waiting for an average of half an hour
The above mentioned methods are used in the treatment of athlete’s foot. However, as in everything else, a specialist doctor should be consulted for a solution to foot fungus. In addition, it is not recommended to use products such as athlete’s foot cream used for fungal infection without the approval of a doctor. It is of great importance to consult a specialist doctor without wasting time in the problem of athlete’s foot that lasts for a long time or other symptoms are added.
How is athlete’s foot treated?
There are many different methods for the treatment of athlete’s foot. Experts recommend the protection of foot health as a priority. Foot care is an extremely important issue. Feet should always be kept clean. Staying away from tight shoes, airing the feet at certain intervals, and paying attention to foot cleaning reduce the risk of getting this fungal infection. It is also very important to wash the feet regularly every day. In addition, the feet should not be left damp or wet after a shower.
Fungal infection generally occurs in humid and warm environments. That’s why it’s important to dry your feet thoroughly after bathing. It is determined by a dermatologist who is an expert in the field of athlete’s foot treatment. Depending on the severity of the fungus, the doctor may prescribe creams or oral fungicides. Toenail fungus can also be seen along with foot fungus. Fungus occurs more frequently, especially on the big toes. The treatment of athlete’s foot and toenail fungus is similar. As with athlete’s foot, cream or medicine may be recommended by doctors.
What is the treatment for toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that affects the nail plate and surrounding tissues. Infections, usually caused by Trichophyton or Candida fungi, are common. Nail fungus infection occurs when fungal spores settle and multiply on the nail plate. These fungi can easily thrive in moist and warm environments. Constant contact of the feet with tight shoes or damp environments increases the risk of developing a fungal infection. Toenail fungus can often progress and spread to other nails if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to consult a dermatologist when you notice symptoms and initiate appropriate treatment. Toenail fungus treatment may include:
- Antifungal (anti-fungal) creams, ointments, sprays, or lotions, available from pharmacies, can be used to treat a fungal infection.
- In cases where the fungal infection is more serious or resistant, doctors often prescribe oral antifungal medications.
- Nail fungus laser therapy is an option used to target a fungal infection.
- In the case of severe fungal infections, the nail may need to be removed completely.
- Simple home care methods such as cleaning your feet regularly, keeping them dry and wearing cotton socks are also important during the treatment process. You can prevent the spread of fungus by airing your shoes and using antifungal sprays.
Nail fungus treatment can be complex and the success rate may vary on an individual basis. Therefore, it is important to consult a dermatologist or specialist to determine the most effective treatment option.