Athlete's
Foot
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INFECTION TRANSMISION
Athlete's foot or "tinea pedis" is a fungal Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of
infection caused by dermatophyte fungi (which fungus (dermatophytes) that causes ringworm and
feed on keratin) or yeast (in very rare cases with jock itch. Damp socks and shoes, hot conditions,
alterations of the immune system). It begins and humidity can encourage the growth of these
between the toes and ends up affecting the organisms.
interdigital folds, the sole and the edges of the
foot. The colloquial name of "athlete's foot" is Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread
given because athletes frequently present a through contact with an infected person or with
greater probability of contagion. contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors, and
shoes. You can also spread it from your foot to
other parts of your body, especially if you scratch
or touch at infected parts of your foot.
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SYMPTOMS
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Athlete's foot can affect one or both feet. Common signs and
symptoms are as follows: TREATMENT
-Dry, flaky, cracked, or peeling skin between the toes and on Athlete's foot treatment consists of using an antifungal
the bottom of the foot that extends down the side of it. (normally over-the-counter), either orally or topically.
-Itching, burning, or stinging, especially right after removing Topically, a complete disappearance of the dermatophyte is
shoes and socks. difficult, around 65% of patients experience the disease
-Blisters and inflamed skin that may appear reddish, purplish, or again within two years. Oral antifungals are useful for these
grayish. relapses.
Athlete's foot infection can be complicated, because it can be Another determining factor to consider in treatment is how
spread to other parts of the body that are warm and moist. It is the immune system reacts. Those who develop delayed
common for the infection to spread from the foot to the groin, as hypersensitivity to the dermatophyte end up curing
the fungus can travel through hands or towels. Athlete's foot themselves. On the other hand, those that have an immediate
can sometimes cause bacterial infections. response require more detailed and extensive treatment.
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PREVENTION IMPACT AND
The following tips can help you avoid getting athlete's
foot or spreading it to others:
CURIOUS FACTS
The main impact on society that athlete's foot has
-Let the feet air out. produced is, to be more careful when accessing public
-Wash your feet daily. places where you have to be barefoot, when sharing
-Change your socks regularly. objects such as towels, shoes... and when choosing our
-Alternate the pairs of shoes. footwear, all this to avoid infection easily. Another
-Protect your feet in public places. impact produced or curiosity, is its own name, since it
refers to those who most often suffer from this disease.
-Know the risk factors for spreading the condition
For this reason, society decided to give it this colloquial
(don't share shoes, unwashed bedding, or towels). name, which has even become official.
