What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot (mycosis), is one of the most common fungal infections and is caused by the proliferation of pathogenic fungi on the skin. It is often referred to as athlete’s foot due to its prevalence among sportspeople, however it is not limited exclusively to athletes and can affect anyone, regardless of activity level or gender.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
The pathogenic fungi cause patches of macerated, whitish skin to appear, often alongside an acrid, unpleasant smell. These patches mainly form between the toes, where the lack of circulating air causes a warm and humid environment. This is especially true after washing or doing sport. In addition to causing maceration and bad odors, athlete’s foot can also cause erythema, desquamation, fissures and severe itching. Athlete’s foot is unpleasant and very contagious. In some cases, it can also cause further health issues as the fungi destroy the stratum corneum which causes cuts to form and increases the risk of bacterial growth and infection.
What are the causes of athlete’s foot?
The dermatophytes fungi is the cause of athlete’s foot. People come into contact with this fungus by walking barefoot, or from human-to-human contagion in busy environments.
How to treat athlete’s foot
Apply 2S Cream between the toes each evening. Continue until all symptoms – white, macerated patches, any fissures and bad odors – have completely disappeared.
The following can help prevent athlete’s foot from recurring:
- Wash feet with the gentle Eudermic Cleansing Base, which cleanses the skin without stripping the skin’s natural defenses.
- Thoroughly dry the spaces in between the toes after washing.
- Avoid socks made of synthetic fibers.
- Avoid wearing shoes made of non-breathable, synthetic materials for an extended period.
- After doing sport (e.g. running, swimming etc.) and after showering, apply 2S Cream between the toes.
