Athlete’s foot is a mushroom infection that usually affects the skin between the toes. Redness appears in the creases, then the skin is dry and peels. In North America, 10-15% of adults will be affected by the athlete’s foot at least once in their lifetime. Recurrences are frequent if not treated adequately. The name derives from the fact that sportsmen frequently suffer from it. The sweat of the feet creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of fungi: wet, warm, and dark. In addition, walking barefoot on a wet floor in a public place (for example, in a sports center or at the pool) also increases the risk of contracting an infection. However, it is not necessary to be athletic or to attend training rooms to catch it.
The parasitic fungi responsible for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections of the skin are of the dermatophyte family. They are microscopic in size and feed on the dead tissues of the skin, hair, and nails.
Most of the time, one fungus of the two following species is involved: Trichophyton rubrum or trichophyton mentagrophytes.
The athlete’s foot may have a different appearance, from one person to another, and be more or less extended.
Warning: The majority of people do not notice that they have contracted the athlete’s foot, as there may be no discomfort to attract attention. On the other hand, if one examines the skin between the toes, the signs are obvious.
In general, if there is a recurrence, the treatment should be resumed and the duration should be doubled. In addition, it is important to follow the hygiene measures. If foot hygiene is inadequate after treatment, there is a high probability that the infection will return. Sometimes antifungals do not completely eradicate the infection. The mushrooms can then proliferate again, especially if the feet are often moist.
If a rigorous application of topical treatments and hygiene measures do not heal the athlete’s foot, consult a doctor. It may offer another topical treatment or prescribe an oral antifungal such as itraconazole (taken for 14 days), fluconazole (for 4 to 6 weeks), or terbinafine (for 14 days). Some oral antifungals can cause significant adverse effects (intestinal problems, an allergic reaction, loss of taste (ageusia), hepatitis, etc.). It is necessary to inform your doctor.
If there is bacterial superinfection – as indicated by ulcers between the toes, fever, or a swollen foot – the bacterial infection should be treated with local or even oral antibiotics, Attacking fungal infection.
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