Fungus Foot: Symptoms, Prevention And Those At Risk 

Tinea pedis commonly called fungus foot is a fungal infection of the skin that usually occurs in the sole of the feet and inter-digits spaces (between the toes of the feet). It could sometimes be seen in the fingers.

Just like most fungal infections, it is very contagious and can be easily transmitted. This disease condition is common among athletes and people with sweaty feet.

The fungus was discovered in 1888 mostly among athletes hence the name- Athletic feet. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create the perfect environment (warm, dark and moist) in which fungus thrives.

Most fungi infection and infestation occurs on the outermost layer of the skin particularly, areas of the body where the skin folds. Examples of such places include; genitals, pubic regions, under the breast, between digits of the toes, fingers, etc.

These places create a thriving environment for the development of the organism- warm and moist. It seems people with skin folds as a result of fats are likely to suffer more from fungus infection. However, this should not be of great concern as fungi infection is more easily treated now than a few years ago when researchers were still trying to figure out how to combat fungi infections.

Mode of Transfer

Tinea pedis/fungus foot can be acquired through direct contact with an infected person, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces such as socks, showers, shoes, locker room floors, and around swimming pools as well as stagnant waters, etc.

Read Also; 17 Food That Can Make Your Skin Smooth And Glowing

Symptoms of Fungus Root

Symptoms of fungus root could be mild and severe. It varies from one person to another. Some of the known symptoms include;

1. Peeling or cracking skin
2. Scaling and breaking of the skin in the affected area
3. Itching or burning sensations on the affected area
4. Erythema, and erosion of the skin of the affected area
5. Blister formation
6. Yellowish coloration of the nails
7. Inflammation of the surrounding skin
8. Ulcer

Those at Risk

Truth is that there is no particular class of people that get infected with the fungus foot as anyone could be infected but there are certain factors that increase the chance/risk of being infected with athlete’s foot and these include:

1. Walking with barefoot around locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools
2. Sharing stockings, shoes and towels with an infected person
3. Having sweaty feet
4. Wearing tight cover shoes
5. Having a toe injury or nail injury
6. Wearing damp socks and shoes

Prevention

• Keep your feet dry as much as you can to inhibit its effects
• When you are at home, go barefoot to expose your toes to air
• Regularly change your socks especially once they appear moist
• Wear well-ventilated shoes for aeration
• Avoid wearing shoes made of synthetic materials like rubber
• Continuously change your shoes to allow worn shoes to dry off before wearing
• Wear waterproof shoes to swimming pools and locker rooms
• Don’t share clothing with anyone especially inner wears
• See a medical officer for symptoms you don’t understand!

 

Fungus Foot: Symptoms, Prevention And Those At Risk