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

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on January 19, 2025

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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

38sec

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What is the difference between athlete's foot and tinea pedis?

Athlete's foot and tinea pedis are two names for the same disease, referring to a contagious disease caused by fungal infections. It often manifests as blisters or peeling skin on the soles of the feet or between the toes, with severe itching. If symptoms are severe, cracking or bleeding may occur. It is advisable to treat this disease as soon as it appears, using antifungal creams for a longer course of treatment to fully eradicate the infection. After recovery, it is important to prevent recurrence by avoiding public baths and swimming pools, sun-disinfecting worn socks and shoes, and treating other infected family members simultaneously.

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Written by Xia Min

Traditional Chinese Medicine

38sec

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

Soaking feet in mugwort leaves has an inhibitory effect on various pathogenic skin fungi and can promote blood circulation through heat conduction. Athlete's foot is a type of fungal infection, especially common in the summer when people often wear sneakers or leather shoes. Feet soaked in sweat for prolonged periods and in non-breathable conditions are prone to developing athlete's foot. In Western medicine, athlete's foot is considered a fungal infection. Soaking feet daily in mugwort leaves can effectively treat athlete's foot and eliminate fungi.

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Written by Liu Jing

Dermatology

1min 8sec

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Can athlete's foot blisters be popped?

The term "athlete's foot" refers to the common name for tinea pedis, a skin infection caused by dermatophytes. It can manifest as various types of skin lesions, such as blisters. In cases like blistering athlete's foot, it is important to enhance local cleanliness of the blistered area while avoiding harmful actions such as forcibly picking or squeezing, to prevent secondary bacterial infection of the wound. Symptomatic treatment with antifungal agents is necessary, including oral itraconazole capsules and other antifungal medications. For topical treatment, applying a wet compress of boric acid solution followed by triamcinolone acetonide econazole cream, or a compound Cannale cream can be used, but these should be applied for a short term only. If symptoms improve after three to five days, the treatment should be switched to antifungal creams such as ketoconazole cream or terbinafine cream, with a treatment period of at least two weeks.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

49sec

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Is athlete's foot the same as foot odor?

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.)

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

54sec

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Does Huoxiang Zhengqi Water treat athlete's foot?

Huoxiang Zhengqi Water is generally used to treat summer colds, dizziness, fever, or diseases accompanied by cold symptoms. It has no special effect on treating athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is caused by fungal infections and is contagious and recurrent. For treating athlete's foot, it is best to use formal medications, otherwise, due to its high contagiousness, it might spread to family members. Currently, commonly used ointments include Naftifine Ketoconazole Cream or Nitrate Sertaconazole Cream, and the treatment usually requires a long course, at least persisting for more than a month. Or after the symptoms have completely disappeared, continue using it for about half a month more, which can generally cure it completely. Towels and basins for washing feet, used daily, must be separated from those of other family members to prevent cross-infection.