Is athlete's foot contagious?

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

Updated on September 26, 2024

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Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infections and is highly contagious. Transmission can occur through contact with each other, sharing slippers haphazardly, or going to public baths and swimming pools. Once diagnosed, it is essential to receive formal treatment at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital. Antifungal creams should be applied twice daily for at least one to two months to completely eradicate the deep-seated fungi. Regularly soaking feet in hot water, and ensuring that worn socks and shoes are thoroughly sun-dried to disinfect them, can prevent cross-infection. Even after recovery from athlete's foot, it's important to avoid recurrence by maintaining good dietary and personal hygiene habits. It's advisable to avoid spicy food, refrain from staying up late, and use separate wash basins and bath towels from other family members.

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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

58sec

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Athlete's foot is due to a lack of which vitamin?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection, and it is not related to the lack of vitamins or trace elements. Once infected with athlete's foot, it must be treated formally. Generally, the use of antifungal creams, such as naftifine and ketoconazole ointment applied continuously, can cure it. The duration of medication must be long, at least more than one month, or until symptoms completely disappear, and then continue using it for about half a month afterwards, which can basically achieve the purpose of eradication. However, this disease is highly contagious. Shoes and socks that have been worn must be sun-dried and disinfected. Foot towels and foot basins should be used separately from family members to avoid infecting them. Therefore, once athlete's foot occurs, it must be treated promptly. Avoid going to public baths and wearing shared slippers to prevent re-infection. (Under the guidance of a doctor when using medication)

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 49sec

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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.

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Written by Hu Xiao Cui

Nutrition Science

1min 17sec

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What is athlete's foot?

Beri-beri, also known as vitamin B1 deficiency disease. Vitamin B1 is an essential nutrient required by the human body, involved in several important biochemical reactions and crucial for energy metabolism within the body. Deficiency in vitamin B1 can lead to a range of abnormal symptoms in the nervous system and muscles. In adults, early symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency include weakness and a heavy feeling in the lower limbs, muscle soreness, particularly noticeable in the calf muscles. These are also important early signs for the detection of beri-beri, which are typical manifestations. Additionally, beri-beri may also present with loss of appetite, weight loss, digestive disorders, and constipation. There are generally two types of beri-beri: dry beri-beri and wet beri-beri. Dry beri-beri primarily involves neurological symptoms, chiefly abnormal sensations, numbness, and a burning pain in the hands and feet. Wet beri-beri, on the other hand, is mainly characterized by edema and cardiac symptoms.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

46sec

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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.