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Foot Fungus

What are fungi?

Fungi are parasitic organisms that do not have leaves or flowers, thus incapable of performing photosynthesis to produce food. Instead they feed on other dead organic substances, including human tissue. Fungi are around us all the time, but most of the time they do not pose harm. They only cause havoc under certain conditions favourable for them. For instance, in humid and warm conditions, where they grow and reproduce rapidly, resulting in skin infection.

Athlete’s foot – common form of fungi invasion on foot

With a dark, warm and humid setting, foot makes an ideal breeding ground for fungi. A common fungal infection of foot is athlete’s foot, of which the medical name is Tinea Pedis.

How does it spread?

Dermatophytes are the group of fungi that trigger athlete’s foot. Living on dead tissue of the hair, toenails and outer skin layers, dermatophytes thrive in warm and humid places, like public swimming pools, communal showers and changing rooms.

Dermatophytes can be spread through both direct and indirect contact:

Direct contact: Skin-to-skin contact. For example, infection may occur when someone comes into contact with the affected area of other’s skin and do not sanitise their hands afterwards.

Indirect contact: Dermatophytes can be passed from person to person through contaminated towels, bed sheets and clothing.

How to diagnose it?

Symptoms of athlete’s foot may differ among individuals. Though, there are common symptoms that contractors of athlete’s foot share:

  • Flaky, scaled and cracked skin
  • Itchy red rashes on the sole and side of the foot
  • Formation of blisters that could be painful

With the symptoms resembling fairly much with those of harmless dry skin, the best way to confirm the infection is to consult a doctor who will scrape the skin and assess the scales under microscope for evidence of fungus.

What to do with it?

Once infected, actions need to be taken as it would not go away on its own. There are two main remedial steps: stemming the root and applying medication. Stemming the root is referred to making the infected areas less conducive for further growth of fungi. This means making sure the cleanness and dryness of the infected areas. The next part is to treat infected areas by applying antifungal creams or washes. Generally, it takes around four weeks for the symptoms to clear up.

Possible complications of ill-treatment

Athlete’s foot is mostly mild and can be treated at home using above methods. Though, a visit to clinic is needed if the infection persists. Although development of complications are rare, but are possible when left untreated. The potential tricky complications are:

  • Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis)
  • Groin fungus (tinea cruris)
  • Body skin fungus (tinea corporis)
  • Secondary bacterial infections

How to prevent it?

As with other infections, foolproof prevention measures are not probable. However, good foot hygiene could minimise the risk of developing athlete’s foot:

  • Always clean feet with soap and water
  • Dry feet thoroughly, especially areas between the toes
  • Wear clean cotton socks that are absorbent
  • Never share towels and wash them regularly
  • Wear flip-flops in communal areas like swimming pool and changing room

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