Athlete's foot

in #health5 years ago

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Athlete's foot is the term used for a transmittable fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet especially between toes, the sole and even the toe-nails.
The medical name of this infection is Tinea pedis. It is also famously called Jungle rot by members of the armed forces serving and dwelling in tropical climates as they often experience the infection.
Where I come from, we call it "jomi jomi".

As the name implies, it is commonly experienced by athletes. Tinea pedis is not considered to be a serious or deadly infection however, it may be difficult to cure sometimes.
Unfortunately, this same fungal infection can also spread to the hands, other parts of the body (skin) including the groin. Gross!

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How is Athlete's foot contacted?

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Being a transmittable disease, it can be from touching the infected area in an infected person or using the person's personal belongings such as towels, socks, shoes. Infection can also be picked from the environment especially in public places like swimming pools and showers when one walks around barefooted.
Most fungi are known to thrive well in warm and moist environment. Therefore, keeping the feet wet or sweaty (like in athletes) for a long period of time makes one prone to contacting this infection.

Symptoms of Athlete's foot

  • The infection usually start with a itching, stinging or burning sensation between the toes or on sole of foot.
  • Rashes occur and would ooze when scratched.
  • Cracking, scaling and peeling of skin especially between toes.
  • When infection reaches the toenails, it makes them discoloured, thickened and crumby.

In severe cases,

  • Sores and Blisters will appear on infected foot particularly the itchy area.

Diagnosis

Even a layman can diagnose an athlete's foot with the aforementioned symptoms. However, if not sure, the doctor or physician might carry out a skin lesion potassium hydroxide examination for microscopic examination to check if the fungi is present.

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Treatment

Tinea pedis can be treated with home remedies. It is not considered to be a serious or deadly infection and would normally heal within 2 weeks.
However, it may be difficult to cure sometimes.

  • Using over-the-counter skin antifungal medications in form of creams, sprays or powder.
  • Soaking feet in salt water or diluted vinegar (1:4 of water) to help dry up blisters.
  • Oral medications as prescribed by a dermatologist or physician in severe cases.

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