My previous article titled ‘Your Guide to Tackling Athlete’s Foot’ explained the symptoms, treatment and prevention of this common type of fungal infection that affects the skin.

The following guide will continue looking into this condition so that you’re better placed to nip it in the bud if you or your family are affected.


Types of Athlete’s Foot

Most cases of this form of foot rash are barely noticeable apart from slightly dry, flaky skin. If the infection gets more serious however, you will experience red, peeling, uncomfortably dry skin. It most commonly affects the skin between the toes, although it can sometimes spread to the sides and top of the feet, as well as the hands.

There are three main types of Athlete's Foot:

1.     Moccasin type – affecting only the soles of the feet.

2.     Interdigital type – occurring between the toes.

3.     Inflammatory type – in this case the skin of your feet may suffer blistering.

Strangely enough, a "two feet and one palm" infection is a very common occurrence of Athlete's foot, particularly in men. It is not currently known why this form of the condition, medically known as Tinea Manuum, commonly affects only one hand.

During treatment, it’s important to thoroughly include all areas of the fungal infection to avoid re-infection. In other words, by simply treating the soles of your feet while ignoring the infection in your toenails, the condition will not be stamped out.  


Causes of Athlete's Foot

Every person has bacteria and fungi on their skin, most of which are harmless. What causes Athlete’s Foot is when these organisms multiply to the extent that your skin becomes infected.

The fungi which are the main culprits for this condition are similar to plants in that they feed off broken-down organic tissue. The main types of fungi that cause skin infections such as Athlete’s Foot are dermatophytes (Tinea), yeasts (Candida) and moulds.

The condition can be passed on through direct, skin-to-skin contact such as if you touch skin affected by the fungi and don’t wash your hands afterwards. You can also get infected though indirect contact, including contaminated towels, linen and clothing.

All in all, the fungi thrive best in warm and humid conditions, which is why the feet are a perfect breeding ground if not kept dry. This is also why places like showers, swimming pools and changing rooms are also common places for the infection to be passed on.


Diagnoses of Athlete's Foot

Usually, Athlete’s Foot is a very mild infection that you can diagnose and treat yourself with an effective over-the-counter cream that most pharmacies carry.

If the condition does not respond to this treatment however, or escalates to cause significant pain and discomfort, you’re advised to pay a visit to your GP. He/she may then take a small sample of your affected skin cells and send them to a laboratory for thorough testing to identify the exact type of fungi that is causing the problem. They will then be able to prescribe a more targeted treatment, since different types of fungi can behave and respond in individual ways.


Complications

As mentioned, Athlete’s Foot is generally a mild condition which very rarely causes more serious complications. While it is usually easily treated, it’s important to tackle the infection before the fungi really has a chance to gain hold, as this will make tackling it more difficult.

If not treated promptly and correctly, Athlete’s Foot can result in the following complications:

Bacterial infection

Severe athlete’s foot may cause cracked skin, which exposes the fragile raw tissue underneath. While fungi usually only grow on the surface of your skin, bacteria tends to thrive inside the body and may cause a more serious infection if it gains entry.

Cellulitis

Once inside your body, bacteria can cause the infection to spread rapidly since some types release chemicals that break down skin and tissue. If left untreated, this can potentially result in serious complications. Cellulitis is a prime example – it is a bacterial infection affecting the deep layers of skin, fat and soft tissue. If left to thrive, it can even cause blood poisoning (septicaemia), or the infection could spread to the bone which could potentially cause irreparable damage.

Symptoms of Cellulitis include a sore, red area of skin that is tender and hot to touch. Although this is an extremely rare complication of Athlete’s Foot, it’s important to tackle it aggressively and quickly with a course of antibiotics.

Fungal nail infection

If Athlete’s Foot is not treated it can easily spread to your toenails, causing them to become thick, discoloured and crumbly. The skin beneath the nail may also become painful and inflamed, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. Most fungal nail infections can effectively be treated using antifungal medication however, either orally or by applying a special nail paint.


Conclusion

Athlete’s Foot in most cases is an irritating, slightly uncomfortable fungal infection that can effectively be treated with a reliable over-the-counter medicine bought from your local pharmacist. It is important however to tackle the condition as soon as you notice it, to prevent it from turning into something more serious.

About the Author: Maria Bantellis is a health writer with an interest in conditions such us Athlete’s Foot.