Yeast infection of the feet is the most common fungal infection of the skin today. There are three main types of yeast infection, or fungus on the feet, as it is also called. And each type is located on different parts of the foot and looks different.
How can you catch a foot fungus?
Yeast infection is caused by a fungus that grows on or in the top layer of the skin. The fungus thrives best in warm, humid places. For example - in the area between the toes. The fungus of the foot spreads very easily. It is enough to touch the fingers or toes of an infected person to also get sick with a high probability. But most often, fungal infection occurs when people walk barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in the changing rooms of the same swimming pool, gym and other similar objects. The fungus can then stay in your shoes, especially if the shoes are very narrow and air cannot circulate around your feet.
If you touch an object with a fungus on it, you can also become a distributor of it and infect other people. Also, even if you infect other people, it doesn't mean that you will definitely become infected yourself. Doctors do not know why this happens, but everyone's predisposition to infection with fungi on the feet is different. And if you've had a yeast infection before, there's a good chance you'll get infected again.
2. Symptoms of the fungus
Symptoms of yeast infection can be burning and itching of the skin between the toes. The skin can flake and crack. Other symptoms of yeast infection may differ depending on the type of athlete's foot diagnosed.
The first type is an infection that most commonly causes symptoms between the fourth and fifth toe. The skin becomes scaly, peels and cracks. In some cases, a bacterial infection can join a yeast infection and the skin condition worsens even more.
The second type of fungus is a disease that can start with mild pain in the leg area. Then the skin on the heel or bottom of the foot thickens and may crack. As the fungus on the feet progresses, it also affects the nails. With nail fungus, it can thicken, break, or even fall off. Generally, fungal infections of the nails and skin of the feet need to be treated differently.
Bladder infection is the third type of athlete's foot. Typically, this type of foot fungus begins with fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Bubbles usually form under the foot, but they can be found anywhere else on the foot. Concomitant bacterial infection can also develop with this type of foot fungus.
3. Diagnosis of fungal infection
As a rule, to diagnose a fungus of the foot, a doctor only needs to examine the patient and study the medical history (symptoms, previous illnesses). If the fungus on your feet is rare or does not respond to treatment, your doctor may take a sample of your skin or nail to check for the fungus.
Not all foot skin problems are yeast or fungus of the feet. If you think you have a fungus, but you've never had one before, it actually makes sense to see a good dermatologist.
4. Treatment of the disease
To treat a foot fungus, special lotions, creams or sprays are usually sufficient. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe prescription pills or topical remedies to treat nail fungus. It is necessary to be treated for the fungus as much as the doctor says. This will be a guarantee that it was really possible to completely cure the fungus. In addition to the general treatment of yeast infection of the feet, it is imperative that the feet are clean and dry. The fungus needs warm, humid places to thrive.
To prevent yeast infection and the reappearance of foot fungus, you should use your own special shoes when going to the gym, swimming pool and similar places. To keep your feet dry, you can use talcum powder or special products. Sandals or shoes that are not too tight will ensure adequate air circulation and moisture wicking.