ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TINEA PEDIS
What is the Athlete’s Foot or Tinea pedis?
It is not a disease for athletes. Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot is a kind of fungal infection that starts from between the toes. It is common in people who have sweaty feet or wear tight fitting, non-ventilated shoes while doing physical exercises/ engaging in sports for long hours. Symptoms may include a scaly rash that causes burning, stinging and itching. This is a contagious condition that spreads through clothes, towels or contaminated floors.
Tenia pedis is closely related to other kinds of fungal infections like jock itch or ringworm. It can be treated using over-the-counter antifungal medication, however, the infection has a habit of recurring. Prescription medications are also given for relief. There is also natural treatments such as Ozone Oils/Ozonated Oils which have been incredibly successful for many patients around the world.
What causes athlete’s foot?
The growth of tinea fungus on one or both feet is the root cause of athlete’s foot. The fungus can spread through touching contaminated surfaces or direct contact with an infected person. The best atmosphere for the fungus to live in is moist and warm. It can be found on locker room floors, in showers, and around swimming pools.
So who is at the risk of developing an athlete’s foot?
Anyone can develop an athlete’s foot, however, certain aspects can increase risk.
Such factors include:
Going barefoot in public places like showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools
Sharing clothes, socks, towels or shoes with an infected person
Wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe footwear
Keeping feet wet for longer periods
Excessively sweaty feet
Getting a minor nail or skin injury on foot/feet
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Some symptoms of athlete’s foot are:
A sensation of burning, stinging or itching between toes or sole of feet
Developing feet blisters that itch
Flakey and peeling skin on the feet, typically common between toes and soles
Toenails that have pulled away from the nail bed
Raw looking skin on feet
Dry skin on the sides or soles of feet
Thick, crumbly and discolored toenails
Diagnosis of athlete’s foot
A doctor can diagnose a case of athlete’s foot by looking for symptoms or order a skin test to be sure of a fungal infection causing those symptoms. The common test for an athlete’s foot is a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam. The doctor scrapes off a little area of the infected skin, puts it in potassium hydroxide and the KOH destroys everything but the fungal cells so they can be easily studied under a microscope.
Prevention of athlete’s foot
These methods of prevention can help avoid athlete’s foot or give some relief from the symptoms when infection occurs:
Keeping feet dry, particularly the skin between toes.
Being barefoot to let feet air out as much as possible while at home. Drying between toes after a shower or bath.
Changing socks regularly.
Wearing well-ventilated shoes that allow the feet to breathe during activities. Avoid shoes made of vinyl or rubber.
Keep an alternate pair of shoes for every day.
Avoid wearing the same pair every day and give them time to air out.
Avoid being barefoot in public places.
Wear waterproof shoes or sandals.
Use antifungal powder on feet daily to avoid getting an infection.
Avoid sharing clothes, socks or shoes.
What is the treatment for athlete’s foot?
As there are multiple causes for athlete’s foot, there are also several treatments for athlete’s foot.
In most cases, symptoms for an athlete’s foot are mild, and the patient doesn’t need to consult a doctor.
Over-the-counter medicines that are effective in clearing up any uncomfortable symptoms of the infection are easily available without a prescription. Although doctors will prescribe stronger anti fungal medicines for severe cases, they are usually oral. Moreover, and as a more natural solution, Ozonated oil to treat athlete’s foot is also an effective method. Ozonated oil has strong antimicrobial properties which help with killing the fungus between toes at a faster pace. Ozone Oils have had tremendous results for those suffering tinea and athlete’s foot.
To find out more about Ozone oils/ Ozonated Oils or to buy Ozonated Oil visit www.ozoneoilsco.com.au