Is athlete's foot the same as foot odor?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 19, 2024
00:00
00:00

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is the same disease but with two different names, both caused by fungal infections. The most common symptoms include blisters, erosion, or even exudation on the soles of the feet or between toes. It typically presents with severe itching and possibly pain. Once detected, it is crucial to apply antifungal cream twice daily as early as possible. The treatment duration should be long enough to completely kill the deeply rooted fungi and prevent recurrence. Regular wearing of breathable shoes helps, and frequent sun exposure for disinfection of socks and shoes is advisable to avoid cross-infection. Avoid public baths, swimming, and contact with small animals. (Please use medications under medical supervision.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
47sec home-news-image

How to stop itching from athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection, which is contagious and recurrent. The main symptoms usually are blisters and sores appearing on the soles of the feet or between the toes, and the condition is quite itchy. Most people tend to scratch the blisters until they break open, leading to infection. Once occurrence is observed, it is essential to apply an official antifungal cream, which can help relieve the itchiness. If the itching is severe in a short period, hot water can be used to scald the affected area, but after scalding, it is still necessary to continue applying the cream. After recovery, it is important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid public baths and swimming, and refrain from consuming spicy and stimulating foods.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 49sec home-news-image

What does it mean if there is fluid in athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, commonly manifests in three types: vesicular, hyperkeratotic, and intertriginous. The vesicular type is characterized by blistering and scaling, typically occurring on the tips of the fingers, the palms, and the sides of the feet. Initially, the skin lesions appear as small, scattered blisters the size of a pinhead. The blister fluid is clear, and the blister walls are relatively thick. These blisters can cluster and merge to form larger blisters, eventually losing their walls to expose a honeycomb-like base and a raw, eroded surface. After several days, the blisters can dry out and flake off. As the condition progresses and exudation increases, it can develop into the intertriginous type, which primarily affects the web spaces between the fingers or toes. It is more common in people who sweat excessively, soak their feet in water, or wear rubber shoes for extended periods, particularly during the summer. The skin becomes soaked and appears whitish, with a soft surface that peels off easily, revealing a moist red eroded area with exudate, often accompanied by cracking and significant itching. When secondary bacterial infection occurs, there is typically an odor. If not promptly controlled, it can lead to secondary infections, producing pustules and ulcers, and may also lead to acute lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, cellulitis, or erysipelas. In severe or recurrent cases, it can also induce local eczematous changes and disseminated dermatophytosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
38sec home-news-image

How to completely cure recurrent athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the feet and is particularly prone to recurrent outbreaks. If recurrent outbreaks occur frequently, it is first and foremost important to pay attention to hygiene. Additionally, wearing breathable shoes and socks to keep the feet dry and clean is recommended. Avoid sharing footwear, towels, foot basins, and other personal items with others. Finally, it is crucial to adhere to treatment; the course of antifungal medication must be sufficient.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 33sec home-news-image

Severe oral ulcers and severe athlete's foot are generally what kind of disease?

There are many causes of oral ulcers, although it is a local mucosal ulceration and pain in the mouth that disrupts the eating habits and daily life of patients. However, the etiology of oral ulcers is quite complex, often involving individual differences. Some patients may have low immunity or genetic factors, and other systemic diseases or environmental factors can also lead to recurrent oral ulcers. In such cases, it is recommended that patients pay attention to diversifying their diet, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoid frequently eating overly spicy, overly hot, or fried foods, as these can affect the body's metabolism. In addition, when patients experience severe athlete's foot, this may be related to poor lifestyle habits. Therefore, it's advised that patients pay attention to their habits, change shoes and socks frequently, and wash feet regularly, as these practices can benefit the treatment of athlete's foot. Moreover, when suffering from athlete's foot, it's crucial to maintain foot hygiene. It is advisable to wear soft cotton socks and ensure that shoes are clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Additionally, patients should focus on boosting their immune system by taking vitamins or mineral supplements, as these can effectively enhance the body’s resistance.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
38sec home-news-image

Will having athlete's foot cause an infection during a water birth?

Giving birth in water does not increase the risk of infection; in fact, the rate of newborns carrying bacteria significantly decreases when birth occurs in water. The reason is that water can wash off the bacteria on the baby's body, and the birth takes place in a special tub where the water is flowing and free of bacteria. Before the birth, the doctor will disinfect the mother. In current practices, liquids are generally used to inhibit the growth of pathogens, so infections like athlete's foot are generally not caused during childbirth.