Athlete’s foot (ringworm) is a fungal infection in the skin that usually begins between the toes. It usually occurs in people who have a lot of sweating their feet when they wear tight, inappropriate or poorly manufactured shoes.

Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot are seen with the naked eye or feel like a scaly, itchy rash. The condition is contagious and can be spread through contaminated floors, towels, clothes, showers, or pools.

Athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection often returns.

SYMPTOMS OF ATHLETE’S FOOT

Athlete’s foot can affect one or both feet. Common signs and symptoms include the following:

  • Skin that is scaly, cracked, or flaking between the toes
  • Itching or itching, especially right after removing your shoes and socks
  • Inflamed skin that may appear reddish, purplish, or grayish, depending on the color of your skin
  • Burning or stinging
  • Blisters on the feet
  • Dry, scaly skin in the area of the sole of the foot that extends to the side.
WHEN TO CONSULT THE DOCTOR

If the person has a foot rash and does not improve within days of starting self-treatment with an over-the-counter antifungal product “CLEAR SKIN,” see a doctor.

If the patient has diabetes, he should always consult with the doctor, if there is the slightest suspicion of suffering from athlete’s foot. Also, see a doctor if the person has a fever or signs of an infection, pus, or swelling in the affected area.

Causes of athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is due to the same type of fungus (dermatophytes) that causes ringworm and jock itch. Wet socks and shoes, without perspiration, warm and humid conditions can favor the proliferation of these organisms.

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, such as contaminated towels, floors, clothing, showers, swimming pools, and shoes. It can also spread from the patient’s foot to other parts of the body, especially if the infected parts of the foot are scratched or touched.

RISK FACTORS FOR GETTING ATHLETE’S FOOT

People are at a higher risk of getting athlete’s foot in the following cases:

  • Wearing inappropriate footwear frequently is the biggest cause.
  • Sweating intensely
  • Sharing carpets, rugs, bedding, clothing, shoes, showers, or damp recreation places with someone who has a fungal infection
  • Walking barefoot in public areas where the infection can spread, such as walk-in closets, saunas, swimming pools, restrooms, and common showers
COMPLICATIONS OF ATHLETE’S FOOT

Athlete’s foot infection  can spread to other warm, moist parts of the body. Jock itch is usually caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. It is common for the infection to spread from the foot to the groin, as the fungus can move through the hands or towels.

Athlete’s foot can often cause bacterial infections.

PREVENTION OF ATHLETE’S FOOT

Following these recommendations can help you avoid getting athlete’s foot or spreading it to others:

  • Let your feet air.  As far as possible use “THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL FOOTWEAR BOCCIO” shoes manufactured according to the individual and particular need of each patient, made with 100% natural materials, comfortable and designed especially for this type of situation. With true perspiration characteristics, providing the foot with a fresh and healthy environment.
  • Wash your feet daily.  Use plenty of soap and water, rinse and dry your feet well, especially between your toes.  If the person has had athlete’s foot, apply medicinal foot powders or an over-the-counter antifungal product “CLEAR SKIN”
  • Change socks every day.  Change your socks at least once a day or more often if your feet sweat too much. Moisture-absorbing socks, such as cotton socks, help keep your feet drier than nylon or synthetic fibers.
  • Alternate the use of shoes.  Wear different shoes for each activity. In this way, the footwear will have time to air after each use.
  • Protect your feet in public places.  Wear sandals or waterproof shoes around public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
  • Know the risk factors for spreading the infection.  If you live with others, don’t share shoes, bedding, or unwashed towels.        
DIAGNOSIS OF ATHLETE’S FOOT

A health care professional, including the patient himself or a close family member, could diagnose athlete’s foot just by looking at it. Some types of athlete’s foot may look like dry skin or dermatitis. To help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, your doctor may take a skin sample from the affected area for examination in a lab.

Treatment

Athlete’s foot responds to some products sold without a prescription and to the perfect personal care and the good habit of using the appropriate shoes “THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL FOOTWEAR BOCCIO” shoes manufactured according to the individual and particular need of each patient, made with 100% natural materials, comfortable and designed especially for this type of situation.   you may need to see a doctor to recommend a cream or ointment with a strength similar to that of prescription products, such as clotrimazole, “CLEAR SKIN.” If you have a more serious infection, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), or you may need both a topical and oral medication.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO MITIGATE ATHLETE’S FOOT PROBLEMS

These tips can help relieve athlete’s foot  symptoms or prevent them from recurring:

  • Keep your feet clean and dry.  Wash your feet daily and dry them with a cotton towel, especially between your toes.
  • Use an antifungal product.  After washing and drying your feet, apply an antifungal product. Clotrimazole “CLEAR SKIN”  was shown to be very effective. You may need to experiment to find the product and formulation (ointment, gel, cream, lotion, powder, or spray) that works best for you. Apply the product to the affected skin as directed, usually twice a day until a week after the rash disappears. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you see results. If the condition comes back, you may need to reapply the product.
  • Change your socks daily.  Change your socks at least once a day or more often if you sweat your feet a lot.
  • Wear light shoes with good ventilation.  Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials, such as vinyl or rubber. Wear “THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL FOOTWEAR BOCCIO” shoes manufactured according to the individual and particular need of each patient, made with 100% natural materials, comfortable and designed especially for this type of situation, when possible so that the feet are aerated.
  • Alternate pairs of shoes.  Wear different shoes for each activity. In this way, the footwear will have time to air after each use.
  • Protect your feet in public places.  Wear sandals or waterproof shoes around public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
  • Avoid scratching the rash.  You can try to relieve itching in your feet by soaking them in cold or warm water with vinegar
  • Do not share shoes.  Sharing them increases the risk of spreading a yeast infection.