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

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on November 06, 2024
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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 Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 19sec home-news-image

Should the peeling skin be removed after using medication for athlete's foot?

After applying medication for athlete's foot, you should not peel the skin off with your hands, as this can damage the surrounding tissue and potentially lead to further infections, acute lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, or erysipelas. When inflammation is obvious, it may also trigger localized eczematous changes or a systemic bacterial rash. There are two possibilities for peeling after medication: one is that the peeling is caused by the primary disease, such as hyperkeratotic tinea pedis, in which case strong desquamating agents like compound benzoic acid ointment can continue to be used. If necessary, occlusive dressings may also be applied. If the peeling is not caused by athlete's foot itself but by irritation from the medication, such as erosive soaking tinea pedis treated with 3% boric acid ointment that has dried out, then stop using irritating and strongly desquamating medications. Instead, it is recommended to use creams and ointments. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection, and this disease is quite contagious and recurring. Generally, the earliest symptoms appear on the bottoms of the feet or between the toes, including itching, peeling, and blisters. If the symptoms are severe, there may also be erosion, exudation, or oozing. Athlete's foot is highly contagious and may spread to other parts of the body over time. It may also be transmitted to family members, and as the condition progresses, the toenails may gradually develop fungal nail infections. Therefore, once you have athlete's foot, you must actively seek standardized treatment, applying antifungal creams. Bath basins or foot towels at home should be used separately from those of other family members to prevent cross-infection. It is advisable to wear breathable shoes frequently, and shoes and socks that have been worn should be sun-dried and disinfected.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Is infant thrush related to athlete's foot?

Infant thrush and athlete's foot are not highly related. Thrush is an oral infectious disease caused by Candida albicans infection, while athlete's foot is a local superficial skin fungal infection caused by fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The pathogens of the two are different and are not related. Thrush is a common oral infectious disease in infants and young children, mostly due to poor immune function in children, lack of oral hygiene, incomplete sterilization of bottles and pacifiers, or contact with children suffering from thrush.

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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

Is athlete's foot contagious?

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.