Athlete's Foot |
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Athlete’s foot, also known
as Tinea Pedis, is a common fungal
infection of the feet. This fungus
typically thrives when the feet,
and in particular the area between
the toes, remain most, warm and
irritated. Athlete’s foot
infects the outermost layer of the
skin. It occurs between the toes
but in severe cases it may spread
to the toenails, the sides of the
feet and the soles. The infection
can also spread to other areas of
the body or a similar infection
can be observed on other areas of
the body, such as the armpits, knees,
elbows, and groin. The
infection is known as athlete’s
foot because it spreads commonly
in changing rooms and communal
showers that are shared by athletes,
fitness enthusiasts and swimmers.
Athlete’s foot is contagious
and anyone can develop the infection
if his or her foot is exposed
to tiny flakes of skin from an
infected person.
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Causes and Risk Factors
The body hosts a variety
of microorganisms including bacteria
and fungi. Some microorganisms
may be beneficial for the body
whereas some have the ability
to rapidly multiply and cause
infections under certain conditions.
Athlete’s foot typically
affects young people and active
athletes whose feet are usually
covered with shoes. This creates
a warm, moist and dark environment
that is optimal for fungal growth
The risk of contracting athlete’s
foot increases under the following
conditions:
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Wearing
tight-fitting and closed shoes,
especially if they are not lined
with breathable fabric |
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Keeping
the feet wet for a long duration
or not properly drying the feet
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Sweating
excessively |
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Developing
a minor skin or nail injury in the
foot |
Although
children and women are capable of contracting
athlete's foot, the risk for men is
higher. Athlete's foot rarely occurs
before adolescence.
Athlete’s
foot is contagious and can be transmitted
through contaminated materials such
as floors, water, mats, towels, rugs,
and clothes. Therefore individuals who
utilize public showers, locker rooms,
pools, gym mats, saunas and similar
public services are more vulnerable
to contracting athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot can also be transferred
between individuals and from infected
pets to their owners. Athlete’s
foot can be contracted by simply touching
an infected area and if untreated, it
can last for an extended duration.
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