Managing Fungal Infections: Athlete's Foot Symptoms and Effective Prevention

What is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot is a prevalent fungal infection that impacts the skin of the feet. It results from a fungus that thrive in warm and damp conditions. This condition may manifest with a range of symptoms, including itchiness, a burning sensation, skin scaling, and fissures. In certain instances, Athlete's foot can even give rise to the formation of blisters or a more severe bacterial infection.

Symptoms of Athletes foot include:

• Itching: Persistent and intense itching, often between the toes, is a hallmark symptom of athlete's foot.
• Burning Sensation: Many individuals experience a burning or stinging sensation on the affected skin.
• Scaling: The skin may appear scaly, dry, and flaky. This can sometimes lead to peeling or cracking.
• Redness: The affected areas may become red and inflamed. ‍
• Blisters: In some cases, athlete's foot can cause the formation of blisters, which may ooze fluid and be painful. ‍
• Odour: Fungal infections can lead to unpleasant foot odours due to the presence of the fungus. ‍
• Thickened Skin: In chronic cases, the skin affected by athlete's foot can become thickened and callused. ‍
• Rash: The symptoms often manifest as a rash on the feet, particularly in the spaces between the toes and the arches.

Athlete's foot can spread to other areas, such as the toenails and hands, if not treated promptly. Untreated fungal nails can spread to other nails, fingers, or even to other people through direct or indirect contact. Early treatment can contain the infection and prevent it from affecting additional nails or individuals. Fungal nails can cause discomfort and pain, especially if the infection progresses to the point where the nails become thick and exert pressure on the surrounding skin. In the earlier stages, you may not feel any discomfort or irritation. The longer the infection is present, the more difficult it is to completed eradicate the infection.  

It is important to note that fungal skin and nail infections have different treatment methods.

How can I prevent it?

• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, every day.
• After washing, ensure complete drying, paying attention to the spaces between your toes.
• Select socks made of natural fibres for proper foot ventilation; avoid synthetics to prevent moisture build-up.
• If you experience excessive foot sweating, opt for thick cotton socks to absorb sweat effectively.
• Choose footwear crafted from natural materials to prevent a humid environment that encourages fungal growth.
• Maintain shoe hygiene by allowing them to air out and dry.
• When in communal areas, avoid walking bare foot to reduce the risk of infection.

There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications available for Athlete's foot, and your podiatrist can provide expert guidance on the most suitable treatment for your specific case.

In addition to treating the infection on your skin, it is essential to address your footwear and socks to prevent potential reinfection. Fungal spores can survive in shoes for more than a year. You can apply an anti-fungal spray to your shoes, while socks should be laundered at temperatures exceeding 60 degrees celsius to effectively eliminate fungal spores.

Timely diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist are crucial to manage and alleviate these symptoms, prevent further complications, and maintain good foot health.