Is a cracked heel the same as athlete's foot?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on May 26, 2025
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Cracked heels are not necessarily athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is caused by fungal infections. You can visit the dermatology department of a hospital for a fungal test on cracked heels. If a fungal infection is present, then it can be confirmed as athlete's foot. If there is no fungal infection, it is likely to be fissure eczema, which is a type of allergic reaction and a particularly stubborn type of eczema. It is recommended to exclude athlete's foot infection at a standard hospital. If it is a fungal infection, using antifungal ointments such as Naftifine-Ketoconazole cream can cure it. If it belongs to fissure eczema, the treatment is more troublesome, requiring oral medication combined with topical application, and it tends to recur, not easy to completely eradicate. Avoid using hot water for washing the area, consume more vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins and trace elements.

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Written by Liu Gang
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Can you eat eggs with tinea pedis?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection. There are no special dietary requirements for this disease, but it is advised to avoid chili peppers and alcohol during the treatment period. Common foods like eggs are permissible. During treatment, it is important to maintain a regulated diet and lifestyle habits. Do not go to public baths or swimming pools. Try not to wear shared slippers casually. Household footbaths and foot towels should be used separately and frequently disinfected with sunlight. The use of topical antifungal creams should be prolonged, with a minimum duration of one to two months, to potentially eliminate the fungus completely. After recovery, it is crucial to prevent recurrence by avoiding spicy and irritating foods and not staying up late.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can you run with hand and foot tinea?

Hand and foot tinea are caused by fungal infections, which are both contagious and recurrent. However, they are not related to sports activities or running. Even if one contracts hand or foot tinea, running is still possible, but it is best to avoid swimming to prevent repeated cross-infection. The standard treatment involves applying antifungal cream twice a day for at least one month continuously, which can completely eradicate the infection. After treatment, it is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits, avoid public baths and swimming, avoid contact with small animals, sand, and dirty water, and if affected by athlete's foot, it is advisable to wear gloves while washing feet to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can tinea manuum et pedis spread to the body?

Tinea manuum and pedis is a skin disease that combines both hand and foot fungal infections, caused by fungal infections of the hands and feet. It is contagious and can spread to the body, causing tinea corporis and other diseases. After contracting this condition, it is crucial to take preventive measures, such as wearing breathable shoes and socks, keeping the hands and feet dry and clean, and using antifungal medications specifically for treating tinea manuum and pedis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What should not be eaten with athlete's foot?

Tinea manus and pedis is a very common type of dermatophytosis in clinical practice, mainly caused by pathogenic fungal infections. Patients with tinea manus and pedis need to be mindful of their diet and avoid certain foods. Firstly, they should not consume spicy and irritating foods, as well as "heating" foods, such as garlic, green onions, ginger, chili peppers, black pepper, seafood, etc. Additionally, they should try to avoid beverages and processed foods, and not eat overly sweet foods. Lastly, they should avoid fried and excessively greasy foods, such as deep-fried dough sticks and fatty meats, etc.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Treatment methods for tinea manus and pedis

There are quite a few treatment methods for tinea pedis and tinea manus. Currently, the most commonly used is the direct application of antifungal ointments. The treatment duration must be long, at least two months or more, to achieve the goal of killing the deep-seated fungi. If topical medication is ineffective, oral antifungal drugs can be used. This method has more precise effects, but normal liver function is required. Those with liver diseases cannot use oral medications. Regularly washing with hot water can also kill fungi. After recovery, it is important to regulate your diet and lifestyle habits, avoid contact with small animals, avoid using public baths and swimming, indiscriminate wearing of slippers, etc. If someone in the household also has the condition, it is advisable to undergo treatment together.