Athletes Foot

Athletes Foot

Athlete’s Foot: Deep insight into foot fungus, treatable before it spreads

Athlete’s foot or “athlete’s foot” is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet, especially in the gaps between the toes, caused by fungi that love moist and warm environments. This disease can happen to anyone, not just athletes. Even office workers are at risk.

Get to know the culprit: Dermatophytes
Fungi in the group called Dermatophytes are the main cause of this disease. These fungi feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. Common fungi include:
•Trichophyton rubrum (most common)
•Trichophyton interdigitale
•Epidermophyton floccosum
These fungi love moisture, such as sweat or shoes that do not ventilate. When the feet are moist, the fungi can grow well.
Mechanism of disease (easy to understand)
1. The fungus comes into contact with wet or damp skin on the feet.
2. The fungi use enzymes to dissolve the keratin layer of the skin.
3. There is local inflammation, itching, redness, peeling, or blistering.
4. If left untreated, the fungi may spread to the nails. Or other skin

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
This disease has many forms. The symptoms are slightly different:
1. Interdigital type is the most common. The skin in the gaps between the toes (especially the 4th–5th toes) will be rotten, peeling, itchy, and have a musty smell. The skin may crack or sting when it gets wet.
2. Moccasin type The skin on the soles of the feet will be dry, rough, and flaky. It tends to be chronic and may spread to the toenails. It is not very itchy, but it is harder to treat than other types.
3. Vesicular type There are blisters on the soles or heels. It tends to occur suddenly. Some people may have pain or stinging.

How is it diagnosed?
Although some people can observe the symptoms themselves, the doctor may use additional tests, such as:
•Skin scraping and looking under a microscope (KOH test) Use potassium hydroxide to dissolve the tissue to see the fungal fibers.
•Fungal culture is used to accurately identify the type of fungus, especially in cases where treatment does not cure.

Treatment guidelines
Topical antifungals are used in mild cases or new cases.
•Examples of drugs: clotrimazole, terbinafine, miconazole, ketoconazole
•How to use: Apply 1-2 times a day for at least 2-4 weeks.
•Recommendations: Continue to apply for 1 week after symptoms have disappeared to completely kill the bacteria.
Oral antifungals are used in chronic, spreading, or non-responsive cases.
•For example, terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole
•Should be used under the supervision of a doctor because some types affect the liver.

Once cured…can it come back?
Yes, it is because these fungi are found in the general environment, especially in public restrooms, shoes, or socks that are wet. Therefore, prevention is as important as treatment.

Techniques to prevent recurrence
•Wash your feet thoroughly and dry them, especially between your toes.
•Change your socks daily and choose fabrics that are breathable.
•Avoid shoes that are tightly closed for long periods of time.
•Wear slippers in shared bathrooms or in humid places.
•Sprinkle moisture-absorbing powder in your shoes or socks.

Additional precautions
•Avoid picking, scratching, or picking at blisters, as this can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
•If the symptoms occur on your nails or if they persist for more than a month, see a dermatologist.
•Be careful of spreading the infection to others, such as family members, especially through towels or shoes.



Summary
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that is easily treated if you start taking care of it early on. The most important thing is to not let your feet get damp and to always monitor your foot health.