Foot fungus

Athlete’s foot is a skin disease that affects only the feet and affects many people. It is caused by the colonization of filamentous fungi, so-called dermatophytes, and occurs in most cases preferentially on the sole of the foot and in the spaces between the individual toes. The fungi tend to settle in these areas of the foot, as they find a warm and humid environment where they can grow and multiply well.

The athlete’s foot develops preferentially in people who sweat a lot or wear shoes that do not fit properly for a long time. Especially sports shoes and the use of public showers without bathing shoes increase the risk of developing athlete’s foot. Other diseases, such as circulatory disorders of the feet, diabetes or a weakening of the immune system are also risk factors for the occurrence of athlete’s foot.

The initial symptoms of athlete’s foot include severe itching, reddening and scaling of the skin. In the course of the disease the skin begins to flake more and more and whitish skin plates form, which are very soft and also come off. At the itching and reddened areas, blisters can develop, which wet and cause pain when walking.

Open skin areas damaged by fungal attack are a possible entry point for other bacteria and germs, which can promote additional infections.Athlete’s foot can be transmitted from person to person via direct contact or via a smear infection. The scales, which come off and fall off the sole of the foot, contain components of the fungus and can infect the skin of other people. Barefoot walking and visits to public baths or the sauna should therefore always be avoided in the case of athlete’s foot.

For the therapy of athlete’s foot ointments and creams are used, which, when used correctly, lead to complete healing. After treatment of the fungal infection with a local ointment, it should be used for another 3 – 4 weeks after the symptoms have subsided. If the fungus is not treated properly or long enough, the infection can flare up again and become chronic. In addition, the fungus can spread further and affect the sole of the foot and the spaces between the toes, as well as the toenails. The fungal pathogens continue to multiply in the damaged skin and can also lead to severe inflammation and infection of the surrounding soft tissues and tissue.