Athlete’s foot is also known as tinea pedis in medical terms. It is an infection of the feet caused by fungus.
Antifungal topical medications can be used to treat athlete’s foot
Antifungal powders or creams that are readily available in supermarkets or over the counter at pharmacies can help control the fungal infection. These antifungal creams generally contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate. Daily application of these antifungal medications for 1 to 2 weeks helps to clear the fungal infection and restore the normal healthy appearance of the affected skin. In some cases, the fungal infections are so severe that they do not respond to the 2 week antifungal treatment or they keep on recurring frequently. In such cases the health care professional may prescribe stronger topical antifungal medications which include topical medicines such as ketoconazole or terbinafine, and pills. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat secondary bacterial infections of the feet that occur along with the fungal infections.
Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for athlete’s foot
Tea tree oil is an effective cure for athlete’s foot. The regular application of the tea tree oil helps in fighting the fungal infection. It also helps to reduce the itchiness and redness of the skin. It helps to soothe the burning and stinging sensation of the soles.
Maintaining foot hygiene is important in the treatment and prevention of athlete’s foot
The fungi that cause tinea pedis thrive in a damp and moist environment. This is caused by excessive perspiration of the feet and by wearing poorly ventilated socks and shoes. It is also necessary to avoid wearing other people’s shoes as one is likely to get infected.So it is important to maintain foot hygiene by cleaning the feet regularly, washing them gently in cold water and drying thoroughly. It is also important to wear clean cotton socks and properly ventilated shoes. It is also necessary to change the socks and shoes regularly in order to keep the feet dry. Another reason for the damp environment is the contact with shower rooms, swimming pools and locker room floors. The damp and moist environment harbors the fungi and causes infection of the feet. Hence it is important to wear sandals or flip-flops while in locker rooms and shower rooms in order to avoid contact with floor.
Athlete’s foot and Diabetes
Diabetics have a high blood sugar level. The high level of glucose in the blood stream makes it difficult to treat the infections. Hence there is often slow healing of wounds and recurrent infections in diabetics. A person with a high blood glucose level should immediately consult their heath care professional in case of athletes’ foot as it may lead to other complications such as secondary bacterial infections and in some cases, even cellulitis.
If the foot appears swollen, red and inflamed or the person has a high fever along with the athlete’s foot then it may be the case of a secondary bacterial infection and the person should seek immediate medical assistance.