By Introduction
Fungal infections of the feet, such as the various types of foot fungus, are common, although they are often ignored until they become uncomfortable or visible. Since these fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions, they frequently grow in shoes, socks, and heated public spaces like gyms and locker rooms. Any time of year might see the onset of these different types of foot fungus.
However, going barefoot and sweating increases the risk of developing an infection. The two most common infections in adults are tinea pedis and onychomycosis, even though there are other types of foot fungus.
Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot)
Your initial sense may have been “athlete’s foot” if you feel you have a foot infection with a valid cause. Due to its high transmission and ability to spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or person-to-person contact, athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is one of the most common foot fungal diseases.
Sharing towels, clothes, or socks with someone who has tinea pedis is another way to contract the illness, which is common in public areas like swimming pools and locker rooms. The symptoms of an athlete’s foot differ depending on the kind of tinea pedis infection, but they usually show burning or itchy feet with an apparent rash.
Interdigital Infection
Interdigital athlete’s foot, often known as a toe web infection, usually develops between the fourth and fifth toes. This kind of foot infection typically results in a rough red rash that may even smell or discharge, along with burning and itching between the toes.
Moccasin Infection
As the name suggests, a moccasin infection covers the foot like a moccasin, running down the sole and sometimes going up the sides and heel. Dryness and pain are the earliest symptoms of this kind of athlete’s foot, which eventually develops into itchy, cracked, and/or peeling skin. The infection may extend to the toenails if treatment is not provided.
Vesicular Infection
Vesicular infections, commonly referred to as blisters, manifest as tiny, red blisters on the sole and between the toes. Usually unpleasant and itchy, this rash puts those who already have a vesicular infection at risk of developing another bacterial infection if the blisters burst.
Ulcerative Infection
Although rare, open sores, also known as ulcers, can result from a foot infection and are open to bacterial infection. In addition to causing flowing fluid and inflamed, colored skin, this kind of infection is extremely painful.
Tinea Pedis Treatment & Athlete’s Foot Cream
Both the healing period and the fungus’s ability to spread can be shortened with early detection and treatment of a foot fungal infection. For low to moderate instances of athlete’s foot, there are several alternative medications that work well; however, serious cases would need a prescription from a podiatrist or general practitioner.
Common foot fungus treatments include:
- Lotions and creams for different types of foot fungus
- Antifungal sprays, powders, and ointments
- Antifungal foot soaks and diluted vinegar soaks are two methods for treating toenail fungus.
- Ointment of prescription strength (ciclopirox, econazole, or clotrimazole)
- Antifungal medications (itraconazole or terbinafine)
Keep Reading:
Onychomycosis (Toenail Fungus)
Onychomycosis before and after treatment
Onychomycosis, another common type of foot fungus, affects the nails rather than the sole. If left untreated, this kind of foot infection can cause the infected nail or nails to discolor, thicken, and crumble. It usually begins around the borders of the toenail or the nail beds.
Onychomycosis comes in three primary forms, but infection happens when fungi get inside the nail through a tiny fracture in the nail or surrounding tissue.
Subnugual Onychomycosis
Dermatophytes, the same kind of fungus that causes athlete’s foot, are the source of this particular toenail fungus. This kind of foot infection can be caused by 40 distinct types of dermatophytes.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
Although white superficial onychomycosis is the most easily treated toenail infection, it spreads rapidly throughout the nail, thus early detection is crucial. About 1,100 distinct species of hyphomycetes can cause this toenail fungus, which initially appears as a thick white stuff under toenail.
Candida Onychomycosis
Another kind of fungal toenail infection is candida onychomycosis, yet it more frequently affects the GI tract. In contrast to the first two illnesses, candida onychomycosis is brought on by the yeast species candida.
Onychomycosis Treatment
Infections of the white toenails fungus cannot be cured by home treatments and will not go away on their own. Similar to athlete’s foot, over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal drugs can be used to treat early onychomycosis.
Unluckily, fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and frequently recur, particularly in diabetics. Your podiatrist may recommend a medicine to treat the infection if over-the-counter treatments are ineffective. Your physician could suggest surgery in extreme, uncommon situations or cases of recurring reinfections. Don’t put off seeing your podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment if you have a fungal foot infection. Your infection will go away more quickly if you get treatment as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A common but sometimes ignored disease, foot fungus can have a major negative influence on one’s quality of life. Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, and toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, are the two main types of foot fungus. There are several types of tinea pedis, including ulcerative, vesicular, moccasin, and interdigital infections, each with unique symptoms and treatment needs. Conversely, onychomycosis can manifest as candida onychomycosis, white superficial, or subnugual. To stop the infection from spreading and to ease suffering, early identification and timely treatment are essential.
Maintaining proper foot cleanliness, wearing footwear with enough ventilation, and refraining from sharing personal items such as socks and towels are all crucial for managing and preventing foot fungus. It is advised to speak with a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or chronic. People may greatly lower their chance of getting these annoying diseases by being aware of the different types of foot fungus and taking preventative action.
