Tinea pedis

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
38sec home-news-image

Will having athlete's foot cause an infection during a water birth?

Giving birth in water does not increase the risk of infection; in fact, the rate of newborns carrying bacteria significantly decreases when birth occurs in water. The reason is that water can wash off the bacteria on the baby's body, and the birth takes place in a special tub where the water is flowing and free of bacteria. Before the birth, the doctor will disinfect the mother. In current practices, liquids are generally used to inhibit the growth of pathogens, so infections like athlete's foot are generally not caused during childbirth.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 5sec home-news-image

How can severe athlete's foot be treated to eliminate it completely?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection, where most patients can be completely cured with routine treatment. However, some patients do not treat it normally or use non-standard medications, which can exacerbate the condition and may even lead to symptoms such as erosion and exudation. When experiencing severe athlete's foot, topical medications are still necessary, such as Naftifine Ketoconazole Cream, which needs to be applied to the entire sole or between the toes. In addition, it is appropriate to combine some oral antifungal medications, such as Itraconazole capsules. The combined treatment of oral medication and topical drugs tends to be more effective. When treating this disease with oral medication, liver function must be normal. If transaminases are elevated, oral medications should not be taken. If oral medications cannot be taken, some traditional Chinese medicines can be used for foot soaks, such as decoctions of Sophora flavescens and Phellodendron amurense, which have a supportive therapeutic effect.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 49sec home-news-image

What does it mean if there is fluid in athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, commonly manifests in three types: vesicular, hyperkeratotic, and intertriginous. The vesicular type is characterized by blistering and scaling, typically occurring on the tips of the fingers, the palms, and the sides of the feet. Initially, the skin lesions appear as small, scattered blisters the size of a pinhead. The blister fluid is clear, and the blister walls are relatively thick. These blisters can cluster and merge to form larger blisters, eventually losing their walls to expose a honeycomb-like base and a raw, eroded surface. After several days, the blisters can dry out and flake off. As the condition progresses and exudation increases, it can develop into the intertriginous type, which primarily affects the web spaces between the fingers or toes. It is more common in people who sweat excessively, soak their feet in water, or wear rubber shoes for extended periods, particularly during the summer. The skin becomes soaked and appears whitish, with a soft surface that peels off easily, revealing a moist red eroded area with exudate, often accompanied by cracking and significant itching. When secondary bacterial infection occurs, there is typically an odor. If not promptly controlled, it can lead to secondary infections, producing pustules and ulcers, and may also lead to acute lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, cellulitis, or erysipelas. In severe or recurrent cases, it can also induce local eczematous changes and disseminated dermatophytosis.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
56sec home-news-image

Does soaking feet in salt and white vinegar cure athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection, and soaking feet in salt and white vinegar does not have a special therapeutic effect on it. Although it can relieve itching or local bacteria on the foot surface, it is ineffective against fungi. Currently, the most effective treatment for athlete's foot is the application of antifungal creams, such as naftifine ketoconazole ointment. Generally, the medication needs to be applied continuously for at least one month, or until the symptoms have completely disappeared, followed by an additional half a month of medication to completely kill the deep-seated fungi and prevent the condition from recurring. Be sure to use separate foot basins or towels at home to avoid cross-infection among family members. Do not indiscriminately share slippers and try to avoid wading in dirty water on rainy days. Always sun-dry shoes and socks at home to disinfect them.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 31sec home-news-image

Is peeling skin on the feet without itchiness athlete's foot?

Peeling skin on the feet without itching is associated with hyperkeratotic athlete's foot, commonly found on the palms, toes, and heels where the skin is dry. The thickening of the stratum corneum is evident, with a rough surface, scaling, and deepened skin grooves. In winter, cracks and even bleeding might occur, and it can be painful. This type of athlete's foot generally does not have obvious itching symptoms. In addition to the hyperkeratotic type, common types of athlete's foot include the vesicular and the macerated type, both of which are notably itchy. The vesicular type typically occurs on fingertips, palms, soles, and sides of the feet. Initially, the lesions are small, deep blisters with clear fluid and thick walls that are not easily ruptured. Blisters can be scattered or clustered, and may merge into larger blisters. Removing the blister wall can expose a honeycomb-like base and a bright red eroded surface. The disease progress spreads to surrounding areas, stabilizing primarily with scaling and significant itching. The macerated type occurs frequently between toes, especially in people with sweaty hands and feet, those who are exposed to water often, or who regularly wear rubber shoes. It occurs more often in summer and is associated with noticeable itching. If a bacterial infection occurs secondary to this condition, a foul odor can also be present.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can mugwort ash treat athlete's foot?

Mugwort ash actually cannot help cure athlete's foot, but if you soak your feet in mugwort ash or mugwort over a long period of time, it can significantly help improve the condition. This is because soaking in hot water accelerates local metabolism and promotes blood circulation, thereby effectively relieving and improving the condition. Mugwort itself can achieve the purpose of relieving itchiness and dispelling dampness, which can significantly help in conditioning the body and providing relief. For cases of athlete's foot, it is necessary to manage it through regular physical exercise or daily foot soaks.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
58sec home-news-image

What should I do if I get athlete's foot on my face?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection. Fungi are contagious, so it is possible for the infection to spread to the face and even other parts of the body. In such cases, it is necessary to use antifungal creams. Currently, common treatments include Nystatin Ketoconazole Cream or Miconazole Nitrate Cream. However, the treatment period is relatively long, requiring at least one month of continuous medication, or continuing treatment for an additional ten days to half a month after the symptoms have completely disappeared. Athlete's foot itself also needs to be treated thoroughly, as only by completely curing athlete's foot can the spread of the infection to other parts of the body be prevented. It is recommended that personal items such as foot-washing towels and basins be used separately from other family members to prevent cross-infection. Items that have been used should be thoroughly disinfected and exposed to sunlight to kill the fungi.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
2min 1sec home-news-image

Is peeling skin on the feet without itching athlete's foot?

Peeling of the skin on the feet without itching is considered to be a type of athlete's foot characterized by excessive keratinization, commonly occurring on the soles, toes, and heels. The affected skin appears dry, with clear hyperkeratosis, thickening, rough surface, scaling, and deepened skin lines. In winter, cracks can occur, possibly leading to bleeding and pain. This type of athlete's foot generally does not exhibit marked itching symptoms. Besides the hyperkeratinotic type, common forms of athlete's foot include the blistering scaly type and the macerated erosive type, both of which typically have more pronounced itching symptoms. The blistering scaly type often appears on the fingertips, sides of the feet, and toes. Initially, this condition presents as pinhead-sized blisters deep in the skin, with clear fluid and a thick, shiny wall, which are not easily ruptured. These blisters may be scattered or cluster and can merge into larger blisters. Tearing off the blister wall reveals a honeycomb base and a fresh red erosive surface. After several days, the blisters dry up, leading to a ring-like scaling, with lesions continuously spreading outwards. During stable phases of this condition, scaling predominates, and itching becomes more apparent. The macerated erosive type, also known as the interdigital type, is frequently observed between the toes, especially between the third and fourth or fourth and fifth toes, and is commonly associated with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and prolonged wearing of rubber footwear. It is more prevalent in the summer and significantly itchy. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, there may also be an unpleasant odor.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Does Huoxiang Zhengqi Water treat athlete's foot?

Huoxiang Zhengqi Water is generally used to treat summer colds, dizziness, fever, or diseases accompanied by cold symptoms. It has no special effect on treating athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is caused by fungal infections and is contagious and recurrent. For treating athlete's foot, it is best to use formal medications, otherwise, due to its high contagiousness, it might spread to family members. Currently, commonly used ointments include Naftifine Ketoconazole Cream or Nitrate Sertaconazole Cream, and the treatment usually requires a long course, at least persisting for more than a month. Or after the symptoms have completely disappeared, continue using it for about half a month more, which can generally cure it completely. Towels and basins for washing feet, used daily, must be separated from those of other family members to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
47sec home-news-image

How to stop itching from athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection, which is contagious and recurrent. The main symptoms usually are blisters and sores appearing on the soles of the feet or between the toes, and the condition is quite itchy. Most people tend to scratch the blisters until they break open, leading to infection. Once occurrence is observed, it is essential to apply an official antifungal cream, which can help relieve the itchiness. If the itching is severe in a short period, hot water can be used to scald the affected area, but after scalding, it is still necessary to continue applying the cream. After recovery, it is important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid public baths and swimming, and refrain from consuming spicy and stimulating foods.