Especially now that the outdoor season is starting again, is athlete’s foot are on the rise.
After all, where many people are barefoot and it is also warm and humid, as also the spread of athlete’s foot is particularly high.
What exactly is athlete’s foot?
Tinea pedis is the medical term for the widespread infectious disease, the most know under the term athlete’s foot.
It is one of the Dermatomycoses (fungal skin diseases), and is – if not dangerous – in this country one of the most frequently occurring infectious diseases and, in any case in need of treatment.
According to estimates, every third person is under the influence at least once in a lifetime an athlete’s foot infection. Most are filamentous fungi, much less to yeast or yeast-like fungi.
The infection almost always starts in the spaces between the toes (most often in the fourth interdigital space) and affects the top layer of skin, the Epidermis.
Why athlete’s foot is treated quickly should be
Then it comes to annoying symptoms, while not life-threatening, in the absence of treatment, however over the entire foot and even to other parts of the body can spread.
This is referred to by experts as the Elevator effect. Also about the contact with the hands, the fungal infection can be spread all over the body. Nail fungus is a more common consequence.
Typical Symptoms:
- Itching
- Redness
- in places, softening of the skin
- Blistering
- Dandruff
- excessive keratinization
- Skin tears
Usually itching occurs, first of all, it is skin changes such as redness and light flaking to follow.
Under the schuppten skin, finally, irritated areas of skin be visible, and touching with pain associated. Part, fluid-filled blisters may form.
If the itching is absent initially, it is discovered that the athlete’s foot is often delayed.
Here particularly a lot of athlete’s foot fungi cavort
Athlete’s foot is very contagious and must be treated in any case, since it disappears by itself.
The fungi have the property of days – and weeks-to survive, sometimes even months, on floors, or surfaces.
To come In contact with the appropriate fungi is, therefore, very likely, when you moved to places where a lot of barefoot run. These are mainly floating -, or free baths, but also saunas, locker rooms, public showers or hotel rooms.
The outdoor pool provides an environment in which you can become infected extremely quickly with athlete’s foot, since filamentous fungi yourself at home in humid and warm climates and can multiply easily.
Athletes are at increased risk for Contracting the disease
So it actually comes to a infection, should be given in addition to the contact, however, other conditions.
An intact acid mantle of the skin can prevent infection. The skin is attacked, however, has a mushroom light game. Who has hurt or open sores on the feet, is at risk of a possible contagion, especially.
Athletes are therefore considered to be particularly susceptible to athlete’s foot, because of the increased strain and friction in a close sport may damage the footwear and the skin. By the formation of sweat is also a good climate for the multiplication of the fungi. In English athlete’s foot is therefore also referred to as “Athlete’s Foot”.
Also, older people are more likely to be affected, because their immune system is working properly and the fungal infection worse can fend off. Add to that a poorer blood circulation.
Risk factors at a Glance:
- Skin injuries
- increased perspiration and stress (e.g., in athletes)
- weakened immune system, poor circulation (often in elderly)
- impaired metabolism (e.g., diabetics)
- Foot deformity (increased friction in the Shoe)
- Socks made of synthetic Material (poor ventilation, creates the ideal breeding ground)
- to frequent Cleaning (if cosmetic products are harming the acid – and grease-coat)
What really helps against athlete’s foot?
The treatment may extend often to a few weeks. It creams, ointments and Gels with anti-inflammatory and antimycotic effects, called antifungals can be used. They inhibit the fungal growth.
It is recommended to disinfect his shoes regularly and do not clean after infection, and in each case thoroughly so that the fungus breaks out again.
For the effectiveness of home remedies the scientific evidence is lacking, according to experts. Tea tree oil can relieve the itching, although, the fungi but not kill.
So you can avoid infection
- good foot hygiene, and regular foot care
- own towels, Slippers, socks etc
- barefoot running to avoid public places as possible
- Defenses strengthen with a healthy and balanced diet
Sources
- Frantze, M. – RP Online (2020): tips for the prevention and treatment of athlete’s foot, retrieved on 03.07.2020 https://rp-online.de/leben/gesundheit/medizin/fusspilz-symptome-vorbeugung-behandlung-ursachen-infos-zur-infektion_aid-51933927
- Dr. Kremser, K. – pharmacies-review (2015): athlete’s foot: symptoms and treatment retrieved on 03.07.2020 https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/Fusspilz
Kimberly Papenthin
*The post “outdoor swimming pool season: help and tips for athlete’s foot” is published by FitForFun. Contact with the executives here.