What is it?
You don’t need to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. In fact, you don’t need to play sports at all. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of a particular fungus, commonly affecting the areas between the toes and the arch of the foot. Athlete’s foot can present in various stages, each with its own symptoms. The acute stage might feature blisters, intense itching, maceration between the toes, and occasional drainage. The chronic stage, on the other hand, tends to be dry and scaly with minimal itching. While there’s some debate about its transmissibility, it is generally accepted that athlete’s foot can be contagious. Thus, it’s wise to be cautious about walking barefoot in shared spaces. Sometimes, athlete’s foot can become infected, necessitating more intensive treatment. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications that might require more extensive care.
How is it treated?
Treatment for athlete’s foot varies depending on the severity of the condition. At the first sign of athlete’s foot, trying an over-the-counter antifungal spray or cream for a few days is advisable. If the condition does not improve, a visit to a foot specialist is recommended. For less severe infections, a stronger topical cream or gel may be effective. Infections between the toes, which are harder to treat due to moisture, may require a gel and possibly occlusion with plastic wrap overnight. The vesicular form of athlete’s foot, which is more challenging to treat, might necessitate oral medication to kick-start the treatment. Given its high contagion potential, it’s important to take protective measures to prevent spreading the infection to others. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the condition from worsening.
