Are athlete's foot and foot odor the same thing?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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Athlete's foot and tinea pedis are actually the same type of disease; they are the same thing. "Athlete's foot" is another common name for tinea pedis. Both are superficial fungal skin diseases caused by fungal infections of the skin on the feet. The treatment methods are the same, using antifungal medications. It is important to avoid sharing slippers, foot towels, or bath towels with others.

Other Voices

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

58sec

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What should I do if I get athlete's foot on my face?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection. Fungi are contagious, so it is possible for the infection to spread to the face and even other parts of the body. In such cases, it is necessary to use antifungal creams. Currently, common treatments include Nystatin Ketoconazole Cream or Miconazole Nitrate Cream. However, the treatment period is relatively long, requiring at least one month of continuous medication, or continuing treatment for an additional ten days to half a month after the symptoms have completely disappeared. Athlete's foot itself also needs to be treated thoroughly, as only by completely curing athlete's foot can the spread of the infection to other parts of the body be prevented. It is recommended that personal items such as foot-washing towels and basins be used separately from other family members to prevent cross-infection. Items that have been used should be thoroughly disinfected and exposed to sunlight to kill the fungi.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

49sec

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The difference between tinea manuum (hand fungus) and athlete's foot (foot fungus)

Athlete's foot belongs to diseases caused by fungal infections. Athlete's foot, also commonly known as foot odor, is the same thing, so there is no difference between the two; both are caused by fungal infections. Locally, there will be peeling, blisters, and severe itching. In serious cases, there may be dryness, cracking, and bleeding. Once this disease occurs, it must be treated formally. It can be cured by applying antifungal cream topically, but the treatment course will be relatively long. After cure, it is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, try to avoid contact with dirty water, sand, small animals, etc., do not wear slippers randomly, and avoid going to public baths and swimming to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

56sec

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Does soaking feet in salt and white vinegar cure athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection, and soaking feet in salt and white vinegar does not have a special therapeutic effect on it. Although it can relieve itching or local bacteria on the foot surface, it is ineffective against fungi. Currently, the most effective treatment for athlete's foot is the application of antifungal creams, such as naftifine ketoconazole ointment. Generally, the medication needs to be applied continuously for at least one month, or until the symptoms have completely disappeared, followed by an additional half a month of medication to completely kill the deep-seated fungi and prevent the condition from recurring. Be sure to use separate foot basins or towels at home to avoid cross-infection among family members. Do not indiscriminately share slippers and try to avoid wading in dirty water on rainy days. Always sun-dry shoes and socks at home to disinfect them.

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Written by Liu Jing

Dermatology

1min 7sec

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What should I do if I have severe athlete's foot?

The so-called athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is an infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. It requires symptomatic antifungal treatment, enhanced cleaning of the foot skin, frequent changing of shoes and socks, keeping the feet dry, and oral antifungal medication. Before taking the medication, it is necessary to test liver and kidney function and peripheral blood count. If there are no contraindications to medication, drugs such as oral terbinafine hydrochloride tablets and itraconazole dispersible tablets may be prescribed, along with topical antifungal medications like naftifine ketoconazole cream, luliconazole cream, or miconazole cream applied to the affected area. The treatment should follow the principle of adequate dosage and duration. Typically, the course of treatment needs to last three weeks or more to achieve a complete cure. (Please follow the doctor's orders when using medication.)

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Written by Xia Min

Traditional Chinese Medicine

48sec

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Can soaking feet in mugwort leaves cure athlete's foot?

Mugwort leaves, as is widely known, are a type of Chinese herbal medicine. They predominantly exhibit a warming quality and are mainly used for foot soaks to treat ailments caused by cold-dampness and wind-cold, as well as conditions related to cold. In typical cases, athlete's foot, which is a fungal infection caused by fungi leading to inflammation, should be treated with antifungal medications, not by soaking in mugwort leaves. It's only effective for treating symptoms caused by cold conditions and wind-cold dampness, not athlete's foot. Therefore, it is recommended to choose antifungal medications for the treatment of athlete's foot. (Be sure to follow a doctor's guidance regarding specific medications.)