Athlete’s Foot – Types, Symptoms and Cure

Any skin infection is irritating, troublesome, and unwanted. But, fungal infections of the skin can be contagious too. Athlete’s Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a contagious skin fungal infection that affects the foot area, and can also be transmitted to the foot from other areas of the body. Scratching any infected area of your body can transfer the fungus on to the fingers and finally to the foot.

Athlete’s foot fungal infection is caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm or jock itch, and the symptoms and diagnosis of the condition are based on the specific type of athlete’s foot a person suffers.

How Does Athlete’s Foot Spread?

Some of the easiest ways of contracting athlete’s foot include:

·         Walking barefoot in germ-filled public areas such as public bathrooms, gym locker rooms, etc.

·         Sharing personal belongings like towels, bed sheets, etc. of an infected person can also transmit the infection to you. 

Types of Athlete’s Foot 

Top Web Infection

When the athlete’s foot affects a person in areas between the fingers or toes, it is known as top web athlete’s foot infection. The condition gets worse in the presence of bacteria. Some of the common symptoms of top web infection include redness, peeling or scaly skin with a smelly rash. Also, rashes that give off discharge are typical signs of a top web athlete’s foot fungal infection.

Moccasin Infection

It is a type of athlete’s foot infection which affects people in the sole of the foot. The rash in this infection can spread along the side of the foot as well as the heel. It begins with the feet being dry, little itchy or sore, and can later cause the skin to thicken, crack and peel. This type of athlete’s foot can also affect the toenails making them thicker and crumbly.

Vesicular Infection

This is the third type of athlete’s foot fungal infection. Vesicular athlete’s foot infection can affect any part of the foot, and is most common during the summer season. Some of the symptoms of this infection include small, red blisters between the soles and toes. Also, its rash can be itchy and painful. If the bursting of blisters occurs, it can also result in a bacterial infection that may might antibiotic medication.

Although applying the best antifungal ointment, skinfungal infection treatment cream or cream for ringworm are highly effective treatments of athlete’s foot fungal infection, it is important to visit a dermatologist if your condition doesn’t improve within two weeks of starting treatment. In severe cases, only a doctor can best diagnose the type of your athlete’s foot infection and suggest an appropriate course of treatment.