Fungal foot infections are common and also contagious. It is most common in men. However, it can also be seen in women and children under 12 years of age. Trigger factors for athlete's foot include:
- Humid and hot environments
- not drying feet after shower
- wearing tight, closed shoes
- Not wearing protective shoes in public pools and changing rooms
- Tools such as pedicure kits are common in hair salons.
- low immunity
- People with diabetes
There are several different types of athlete's foot. These:
- Toenail Fungus (Intertriginous)
- Moccane (Hyperkerotic)
- Blistering (Vesiculobullous)
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What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of athlete's foot can appear anywhere on the foot. But most commonly, it can happen between the toes the foot. But most commonly, it can happen between the toes. Symptoms;
- red rash
- itchy feet
- burning sensation
- broken, scaly skin
- unpleasant odor
- dandruff on the soles of the feet
- water blisters on feet
It can spread to the nails if not diagnosed and treated early. In addition, since the integrity of the skin is disrupted, it can lead to more severe secondary infections such as cellulitis (skin infection) and lymphangitis (lymph vessel infection) due to bacteria entering from the outside. Since fungus infections can be transmitted very easily, it is necessary not to use the same towels or slippers with people with this infection.
How to Treat Foot Fungus
The diagnosis of a fungal infection is made by physical examination. In some cases, the skin rash is scraped and examined under a microscope, and a definitive diagnosis is made. Treatment of early-diagnosed fungal infections can be done with creams applied to the skin. Since fungal infection is a stubborn disease, the probability of recurrence is quite high.
In advanced fungal infections, definite results may not be obtained with cream treatment. In these cases, oral fungicides may be recommended. In cases of nail involvement, treatment becomes difficult, and fungicides should be used for at least 3 months and nail polish for 1 year.
It is very important for the patient to use the drugs regularly during long-term treatments. If treatment is stopped early, recurrence and resistance to the fungus may develop. In chronic cases diagnosed late, if a secondary bacterial infection is added, the person can be hospitalized and intravenous antibiotic therapy can be administered.
Things to do to prevent fungal infection:
- Daily foot care
- Do not step barefoot on wet floors in gyms, homes, or public places.
- not using common slippers and towels
- Drying the feet very well after taking a shower
- Not wearing tight shoes for a long time, especially in summer.
- Wearing tight-knit cotton and sweat-wicking socks
- Daily socks change
- The personality of the pedicure set
- Daily spraying of antifungal powder on feet and shoes.