Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects many people at some time in their lives. The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers.
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects many people at some time in their lives. The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers.
Usually this condition affects the spaces between your toes, but it can spread to your toenails and the soles and sides of your feet. The infection can also involve your palms and fingers. Although it occurs primarily in adults, athlete’s foot can affect children.
Changing socks, keeping your feet dry and alternating shoes can help you prevent athlete’s foot. Often, athlete’s foot responds well to over-the-counter treatments you can apply to your skin. More severe cases may require oral medications.
The signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot can be numerous, although you probably won’t have all of them:
A group of fungi called dermatophytes causes athlete’s foot. These organisms sprout tendril-like extensions that infect the superficial layer of the skin. In response to this fungal growth, the basal layer of the skin produces more skin cells than usual. As these cells push to the surface, the skin becomes thick and scaly. Most often, the more the fungi spread, the more scales your skin produces, causing the ring of advancing infection to form.
Also called tinea pedis, ringworm of the foot and dermatophytosis, athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal skin conditions, most with similar names. Tinea is a type of fungus, and pedis is the Latin word for “foot.” Other common tinea infections include:
For mild conditions, your doctor may advise you to apply a prescription or over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. Most infections respond well to these topical agents, which include:
If your fungal infection is severe or doesn’t respond to topical medicine, your doctor may give you a prescription oral medication. Oral medications include:
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oral Sporanox and oral Lamisil may be linked to rare cases of liver failure and death. Oral Sporanox may weaken the heart’s contractions and shouldn’t be prescribed for people with a history of heart failure.
Griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin), an older oral medication, has been prescribed less often since the introduction of the newer medicines. It’s effective, but can take months to clear up the infection.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic if you have an accompanying bacterial infection. In addition, your doctor may recommend wet dressings, steroid ointments, compresses or vinegar soaks to help clear up blisters or soggy skin.
These tips can help you avoid athlete’s foot or ease the symptoms if infection occurs:
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