Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection of the foot's skin and is also known as tinea pedis. This fungal infection is more common among athletes, which is why it is called athlete’s foot. This fungal infection usually begins between the toes but can also spread to the nails and hands. Signs and symptoms of the athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, and burning sensations; blister formation; cracking and peeling of the skin; discoloration; and thick and crumbled toenails. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of athletes foot.
How is Athlete's Foot Caused?
Athlete’s foot is caused by a unique group of fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes infect keratinous tissues of the body—hair, skin, and nails. Athlete's foot is caused due to the following factors:
- Damp and warm conditions: Fungi responsible for causing fungi to exist harmlessly on human skin if the skin is dry and clean. However, these fungi multiply rapidly under damp and warm conditions and cause infection. Damp socks and shoes provide a warm and humid environment for the reproduction of fungi.
- Direct skin-skin contact: An athlete's foot can spread from one person to another if an uninfected person touches the infected area of the athlete’s foot.
- Indirect contact: an athlete’s foot can spread through contaminated surfaces through the use of contaminated towels, socks, bed sheets, and shoes. Athlete’s foot can also spread through communal showers and swimming pools.
- An athlete's foot can spread to other parts of the body by scratching the infected part of the body.
- Risk factors for the disease include:
- Heavy sweating
- Frequent use of enclosed footwear
- Using personal items of a person with athlete’s foot
- Using communal showers, saunas, and swimming pools
Conclusion:
Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection of the foot’s skin caused by a type of dermatophyte (fungus). Damp and warm conditions, like sweaty feet within enclosed footwear, provide an ambient environment for the growth of fungus. This condition is very contagious and can spread easily through direct skin-to-skin contact as well as indirectly through contaminated surfaces and shared personal items. Understanding the and its risk factors is crucial for the prevention and effective management of this common fungal infection. Additionally, having a health insurance policy can be beneficial in covering medical consultations and treatments for persistent or severe fungal infections.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.