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The
rashes may also incapacitate a person, when there is redness, swelling and pus.
Sometimes, there may be fever resulting from secondary bacterial infection. If
these conditions are present, patients are advised to seek professional medical
help, rather than continue relying on over the counter creams or powders.
Similarly, even in the absence of these complications, if the rash, foot
odor or flaky toenails remain for more than four weeks, it really is time to
seek professional help.
In
some cases, the toenails could become discolored. Here too the patient is
advised to approach a doctor, for the condition generally requires long-term
medical treatment to avoid recurrence.
Causes
The Athlete's foot problem is caused by
various kinds of fungi that belong to a group called dermatophytes. These fungi
thrive in closed, warm, moist environments. They feed on keratin, a kind of
protein found in hair, nails and skin.
People
who take antibiotics for more than two weeks are prone to the infection. The
antibiotic can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungi that
cause the infection.
Athlete's
foot may be contracted through direct contact with the infection and by touching
skin particles sticking to towels, shoes and socks. Not changing sweaty shoes
and socks makes a person vulnerable to the infection.
Treatment
Athlete's foot should be
treated as soon as one begins to experience itching in the feet or redness
between the toes. In the initial stages, application of over the counter
antifungal powder, cream or spray helps.
To cure Athlete's
foot, patients are also
advised to spray antifungal powder in the shoes that they use, in addition to
sprinkling it on the feet. Avoid using the same pair of shoes everyday. Besides,
doctors advise that the feet should be left exposed to plenty of air. Therefore,
synthetic shoes are best avoided and one may opt for leather or fabric shoes,
which are naturally porous.
Depending
upon the condition, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal drugs.
It is best left to the professional to decide the course of action in the
case of oral antifungal drugs, as there are may be serious side effects.
As
a home remedy, one may try soaking the feet in salted water for five to ten
minutes. Dry the feet thoroughly after removing the feet from the salt water. Do
not attempt to tear off flaking skin. It may lead to breaking off of healthy
skin or worse, the infection may spread further.
Wash
your socks and towels in hot boiling water to prevent the infection from
spreading and to minimize recurrence.
Tips
for prevention
Doctors
advise the use of cotton socks and shoes made of naturally porous material.
Avoid sharing shoes, socks and towels.
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