Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)

Athlete’s foot also called tinea pedis is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin
on the feet. It can also spread to the toenails and the hands. Athlete’s foot occurs when
the tinea fungus grows on the feet. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have
become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. You can also catch the
fungus through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces
contaminated with the fungus. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. It’s
commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools. It is
called athlete’s foot because it is commonly seen in athletes.
The prevalence of athlete's foot is estimated to be around 10% worldwide. Males are
more likely to be infected than females; but still anyone can get it especially if you have
the risk factors like: Keeping your feet wet for a long period of time, if you have sweaty
foot, having a minor skin or toenail injury, sharing your socks/shoes or towel with
infected person.
There are many symptoms for athletes foot it may be, itching, stinging or burning
between your toes, blisters, cracking and peeling of the skins (commonly in toes and
soles of the feet), toenails that pull away from nailbeds, discolored or crumbly toenails
Doctors usually diagnose the athlete’s foot by the symptoms or if the doctor is unsure,
he/she may request a skin test, skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam is the most
common test for the athlete’s foot and it is usually treated with over-the counter-
antifungal medications or the physician may recommend home treatment to help clean
up the infection. If left untreated it may lead to other complications such as spread to the
lymph system. A skin infection could lead to infections of your lymphatic
system or lymph nodes.
Athlete’s foot can be prevented by washing your feet with soap and water every day and
dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, putting antifungal powder on your feet
every day, don’t share socks, shoes, or towels with others, change your socks when
your feet get sweaty. Air out your feet when you are at home by going barefoot, Wear
shoes made of breathable materials.
Using of foot powder:

Ways to prevent athlete’s foot:

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/athletes-foot
https://www.insider.com/guides/health/treatments/athletes-foot-home-remedy
https://www.afacc.net/foot-problems/athletes-foot/
https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/athletes-foot