Recognize athlete's foot

Synonyms in a broader sense

Tinea pedis, tinea pedum, foot mycosis, athlete's foot, athlete's foot, dermatophyte infection of the foot
Notation: Athlete's foot
engl .: athlete`s foot

Symptoms of athlete's foot

After the dermatophytes have penetrated the uppermost boundary layer (Stratum corneum) of the epidermis, they spread there, break down the keratin of the skin and cause inflammation, which is sometimes associated with several concentric growth rings around the inflammation focus. The pathogen Trichophyton rubrum usually only causes a slight inflammation at the edge of the damage, which heals again in the center.

Read more on this topic: How contagious is athlete's foot?

Classification

In the area of Foot can three different forms of athlete's foot (tinea pedis).

Of the interdigital type the athlete's foot, Tinea pedis interdigitales, which is usually located between the particularly narrow spaces between the toes of the 3rd and 4th. or the 4th and 5th toe noticeable is by far the most common type among athlete's foot. The disease usually begins with a soak (Maceration) the epidermis (epidermis). By spreading your toes you can see one gray-white swollen skin. When these macerated layers peel off or are peeled off, arise weeping injuries (Erosions) and deep cracks (Rhagades), with Redness and Scaling accompanied. The side surfaces of the toes are often small Vesicles infested. This athlete's foot can sometimes persist unnoticed for years or even spread. An additional bacterial infection the affected area provides the unpleasant smell. In addition, the injury can also be a gateway for a spreading Sore rose (Erysipelas) represent by bacteria. Another symptom of space between the toe athlete's foot is a severe one itchingwho is particularly at increased sweating (Hyperhidrosis), such as when wearing rubber boots or sports shoes for a long time.

Please see the main article for more information Athlete's foot.

The second form of athlete's foot is that squamous-hyperkeratotic type. It is also relatively common. The disease starts with a very fine one dry flaking on a rather slightly inflamed skin. In the course of the process, mostly focal, asymmetrical, sharply demarcated and flaky, excessively keratinized areas of the skin appear (Hyperkeratosis) those of Crack formation (Rhagades) can be accompanied. This type of athlete's foot is found increasingly on the Edges of the feet, heels and tiptoes. But also a scattered one (diffuse) Scaly cornification of the entire sole of the foot, especially one-sided, is a manifestation of the squamous-hyperkeratotic type and bears the name Moccasin mycosis. It is particularly common here with one Co-disease of the nails to be expected, which contributes to the diagnosis.

Of the dyhidrosiform type Athlete's foot is another possible manifestation of the disease. Especially in the area of Arch and on the edges of the foot In summer and on warm humid days, slightly cloudy blisters appear. These vesicles contain Thread-pulling content and are sometimes found on slightly reddened skin. The blisters do not burst spontaneously, but dry and form Scale crusts. Symptoms are a Feeling of tension as well as stronger itching. If the disease persists for a longer period of time, fresh and old skin changes can be present side by side. If larger bubbles develop one speaks of bullous type of tinea pedis. Whether sweating is actually disturbed in the dyshidrotic type of athlete's foot has not been fully proven, but it is the most commonly used name.

How do I recognize athlete's foot?

Samples are taken with a scalpel for diagnosis.

Besides the clinical diagnosisthat are due to itchy, reddened and flaky, sometimes foul-smelling skin regions is one Laboratory diagnostics inevitable to recognize athlete's foot.
The mycological diagnostics is based above all on that Detection of fungi in the skin material. From the edge of the scaly herd it will Sample material using a scalpel taken from, belong next to Dander also bladder covers. A positive native preparation, for the detection of living pathogens under the microscope, is considered conclusive. In order to remove germs from the environment, the extraction point is previously wiped with alcohol. Since athlete's foot is often treated only after a clinical diagnosis, which can be faulty, the pathogen should be determined prior to treatment using a Mushroom culture in the laboratory, that is, the fungus can be grown on a nutrient medium. If the patient has already started self-medication, a two-week break should be made before the pathogen is detected.

Treat athlete's foot

Most often, an ointment is the means of choice.

Lies a Athlete's foot before so should definitely consulted a doctor become. For one thing Saving the diagnosis and to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, on the other hand to one appropriate therapy initiate. Although you can too Home remedies effective against athlete's foot, but this therapy should only as additional therapy be used because the effect is much less than that of the medically prescribed drugs.
Will the athlete's foot not treated effectivelyso it can be Spread of the fungus over other parts of the foot or up to the other foot. Also Nail fungus can then arise.

The doctor prescribes one Antifungal agent to treat athlete's foot. Antifungal drugs are drugs that specifically fight fungi. When the fungal disease not very advanced yet an antifungal agent is sufficient for external use use, which is applied locally to the affected areas. Here there are Creams, Gels, solutions, sprays, Anoint or powder.
At very strong athlete's foot can also be a so-called systemic therapy to be necessary. That means one Antifungal agent is applied that works from within, so in the form of a tablet must be taken.

If the affected areas additionally colonized by bacteria which is located in strong foot odor expresses, so must also be a antibiotic be taken.

Must have anti-fungal drugs taken regularly become. It is also important that they over a Long period of time be taken, even after the symptoms have subsided, so that the Fungus completely killed becomes. Treatment lasts usually two to four weeks.

To the Home remediesthat help against athlete's foot count Tea tree oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, rubbing with garlic, Lavender oil. When using Apple Cider Vinegar is however be careful, since athlete's foot often tears the skin.
Even that morning midstream urine it is said to have a healing effect.

Athlete's foot can also due to a bowel disease arise. In this case there is one Intestinal rehabilitation displayed.