Darrick Robles Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by dermatophytes (skin fungi) that often occurs in athletes. It is therefore referred to as “athlete’s foot”. The infection is favored by damp, sweaty feet and tight-fitting shoes. Athlete’s foot is one of the most common fungal diseases of the skin. In Germany about 10 million people are affected.
Definition
Athlete’s foot has several manifestations. The most common form is an infestation of the spaces between the toes with reddening and flaking of the affected skin areas. Other forms can begin on the soles of the feet and slowly progress to the edges and tops of the feet. The latter may be accompanied by blisters and dry, inflamed skin.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
Symptoms can include:
- Dry skin
- itching
- skin flaking
- Small cracks in the skin
- swelling
- blisters
If sufferers scratch infected skin and touch other parts of the body shortly thereafter, they can spread the infection to other parts of the body.
Causes of athlete’s foot
The disease can be transmitted through direct contact with victims or contaminated objects and surfaces (floors, public showers, towels, shoes, stockings). Wet stockings, tight-fitting shoes and a damp environment promote the growth of athlete’s foot.
Certain risk factors increase your likelihood of suffering from athlete’s foot:
- Male gender
- The disease is present in other people you live with
- Wearing damp socks and tight shoes
- Walking barefoot in community facilities such as B. sauna, shower, swimming pool or changing room.
duration of the complaints
If left untreated, the disease can persist for several months to years. With the help of antifungal ointments (fungus-inhibiting ointments), the symptoms usually subside within a few weeks.
Diagnose
The doctor can diagnose athlete’s foot based on the appearance and clinical inspection (involvement of the spaces between the toes, itching, scaling of the skin). In some cases, laboratory diagnostic tests or cultures should be taken to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out complications.
When do I have to go to the doctor
If you experience a rash, swelling, redness, or pain, you should consult a doctor.
treatment of athlete’s foot
There are already a number of over-the-counter antifungal agents (solution, ointment, gel, powder) on the market that inhibit fungal growth. Which remedy is most suitable should be discussed with the doctor. To avoid recurrence, local treatment should be continued for a while after healing.
Home remedies for athlete’s foot
In addition to antifungal treatment, additional measures can be taken to limit the spread of the disease:
Wash your feet and the spaces between your toes thoroughly and dry them carefully (ideally twice a day).
Change socks often to avoid damp feet and wash at 60 °C
. Put on new shoes every day so that the old shoes dry out and can be ventilated, possibly also disinfect with shoe spray.
Wear sandals or slippers in common areas to reduce the risk of contamination.
Before putting on your underpants and pants, put on your socks to prevent the fungal infection from spreading to your genitals and groin.
Here’s how Med-Healths can help with athlete’s foot
If you suspect you have athlete’s foot or need advice on an unclear skin condition, you can speak to a doctor via Med-Healths’s video consultation. It is also possible to upload pictures via the Med-Healths app or to show the doctor your symptoms directly. The doctor will help you to choose a suitable therapy option and advise you on further preventive measures.
