Foot fungus is a common skin infection that affects many people across the world. The skin condition results from mold-like germs living in the dead cell of your nails, hair, and skin. There are over 80 known types of fungus that affect your feet.
It, therefore, means that your feet are in more danger than other parts of the body. However, not all fungi are harmful.
Many people are affected by an athlete’s foot, a harmful foot fungus. There are more than 25% of people experience itching and pain at some point. They start experiencing between their toes and later spread to their toenails and soles. However, after scratching your foot and you touch other parts of your body such as the groin or armpits, the fungus spread there, too.
Types of Fungal Infections
There are many fungal skin infections, and they occur at any part of the body. The common fungal skin infections include yeast infections, ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s Foot Infections
This is a fungal infection of the foot, also called tinea pedis. It takes place in warm and moist areas. That’s why; most people experience this fungal infection wearing closed and tight shoes during summer.
The fungus behind this fungal infection thrives on dead tissues. When you have this fungal infection, the symptoms will vary with the other.
Here are the symptoms:
- Itching
- Skins turn red, soft and break down
- Blisters
- Peeling, cracking, and scaly feet
- Burning
Risk Factors of Foot Fungus
There are risk factors for getting foot fungus. It leads to the development of nail fungus. Some of the causes include:
- Sweating heavily
- When you get old and have been exposed to fungi
- History of having athlete’s foot
- Having nail or skin injury or skin condition
- Weak immune system
- Blood circulation problem
Suitable Conditions Where Fungi Thrive
Foot fungi thrive properly in places experiencing warm, moist, and dark conditions. It affects your feet because when you wear shoes, they provide the best fungus growth and thrive.
In each foot, there are over 250,000 sweat glands. When you sweat, you provide a suitable condition for fungus growth. However, some people who suffer excessive sweating are at high risk of getting foot fungal infection.
It is therefore recommended you dry your feet the moment you get wet. The shoes have to air out properly before wearing them again.
How the Fungus Spread
The foot fungus enters your body through any skin injury or cracks. You can get them after you touch someone who has them. However, you’re also likely to get infected while walking barefooted in warm and moist areas. The common places include public pools. You have to be cautious to avoid getting infected.
The other way to avoid catching this infection is when you don’t change your shoes or socks often. The other place this fungus can thrive is on common objects, towels, and sheets. Therefore, it is not advisable to share towels. Also, keep the surfaces always clean.
If you visit the spa, you have to be careful. You don’t have to assume that those who work in the spa will clean the tools after each client. The best option is to take yours for your appointment. Therefore, you will ensure that you won’t catch or spread the foot fungus after visiting the salon.
Potential Risks and Complications
Foot fungus is a risk if not treated. It will result in a bacterial infection on broken skin. That easily happens because of scratching or after you form blisters. No type of infection is suitable; all should be taken seriously and given prompt treatment, including athlete’s foot fungus.
On the other hand, an athlete’s foot is contagious. It can spread to your hands very fast after you scratch affected areas. If this fungus affects under your nails or groin area, it becomes a hassle to treat it completely. Fortunately, Onycosolve spray is a great solution. It helps destroy the fungal and improve your skin resistance.
When You Should Visit a Doctor
The moment you realize that the fungal infection hasn’t subsided after some days with home treatment remedies, it is the right time to visit a doctor. During the visit, you can get antifungal prescriptions that will get rid of the fungus infection.
Also, if you have diabetes and athletes foot, you should seek a doctor’s appointment. It is true with signs of secondary bacterial infection. That will be dangerous if you have diabetes because of nerve damage. The doctor will diagnose an athlete’s foot the moment he or she looks at it.
Wrapping Up
It is essential to know that foot fungus is contagious. You should avoid touching or scratching the area affected except treating. Before you apply the treatment, wash your hands. It helps prevent your foot from developing a bacterial infection.
Also, you will prevent the further spread of fungal infection to other parts of the body.
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