Athlete’s foot is medically called Tinea pedis.
It can occur;
-in between your toes
-on the top of your feet
-under the soles of your feet
-on your heels
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🍭CAUSES
Athlete’s foot is caused by the dermatophyte “Trichophyton” which is related to other fungi that cause skin, hair, and nail infections.
As long as your skin is clean and dry, this fungus will live harmlessly on your skin, with limited reproduction
However, in moist, damp, and dirty conditions, the fungus may grow rapidly to cause an infection.
Some conditions that may trigger this infection include ;
-Wearing wet or poorly dried shoes
-Tight shoes
-Damp socks
-Having a big toe that pressed against the next toe could pose a risk
-Plastic shoes would pose more risk than leather shoes.
🍭 SYMPTOMS
-Cracked, flaky and peeling skin
-Red itchy skin on the affected area
-Burning and stinging sensation
-Skin rash
-Blisters that ooze and becomes crusty
-It may spread to the hand to cause Tinea manuum
🍭MEANS OF TRANSMISSION
The condition is contagious and it can be transmitted through :
-Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area
– Indirect contact through;
-bed sheets
-Towels
-Socks
-clothing
-contaminated surface
•Use of public showers and swimming pools may pose a risk
🍭RISK FACTORS
-Being a male
-Living with Diabetes
-Having wounds on your feet
-Being obese or overweight
-Weak immune system
🍭COMPLICATIONS
-Nail infection may occur ( onychomycosis)
-Cellulitis
-Other bacterial infections
🍭TREATMENT
-It is treated with Antifungal medications which include creams and oral medications.
-Other medications are used to treat other accompanying symptoms like pain and itching.
-If you have symptoms, please see a healthcare provider and get the right help
But you can prevent occurrence; see how👇
🍭PREVENTION
-Wear loose-fitted shoes
-Wash feet properly and at least twice a day
-Keep your feet clean and dry
-Remove your shoes immediately exercising session is over
-Ensure your feet are dry before putting on socks and shoes
-Wear cotton, silk and wool socks
-When walking around swimming
pools, public showers or changing rooms, please put on proper slippers
-Avoid sharing footwears
-Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly
-Avoid tight or undersized shoes
