Athlete's foot is transmitted through what pathway?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Direct contact involves touching someone with a fungal infection like athlete’s foot. Indirect contact may include using items belonging to someone infected, such as towels or foot basins. If you develop athlete's foot, it is crucial to treat it promptly, avoid sharing shoes and socks, and maintain personal hygiene.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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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.)

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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Is peeling skin on the feet without itchiness athlete's foot?

Peeling skin on the feet without itching is associated with hyperkeratotic athlete's foot, commonly found on the palms, toes, and heels where the skin is dry. The thickening of the stratum corneum is evident, with a rough surface, scaling, and deepened skin grooves. In winter, cracks and even bleeding might occur, and it can be painful. This type of athlete's foot generally does not have obvious itching symptoms. In addition to the hyperkeratotic type, common types of athlete's foot include the vesicular and the macerated type, both of which are notably itchy. The vesicular type typically occurs on fingertips, palms, soles, and sides of the feet. Initially, the lesions are small, deep blisters with clear fluid and thick walls that are not easily ruptured. Blisters can be scattered or clustered, and may merge into larger blisters. Removing the blister wall can expose a honeycomb-like base and a bright red eroded surface. The disease progress spreads to surrounding areas, stabilizing primarily with scaling and significant itching. The macerated type occurs frequently between toes, especially in people with sweaty hands and feet, those who are exposed to water often, or who regularly wear rubber shoes. It occurs more often in summer and is associated with noticeable itching. If a bacterial infection occurs secondary to this condition, a foul odor can also be present.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What vitamin is lacking in athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infections, and it is not related to a lack of vitamins or trace elements. Once it occurs, it is highly contagious and recurrent. Contact with others or wearing each other's slippers can lead to cross-infection. Once it appears, it is advisable to apply antifungal cream as early as possible. The treatment should be prolonged, lasting at least one month, or even more than two months, to potentially kill the deep-rooted fungus completely and prevent recurrence. During the treatment of athlete's foot, it is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits. Avoid public baths and swimming, try not to keep small animals at home, do not wear others' slippers, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and do not stay up late.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.