How to stop itching from athlete's foot?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 30, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The difference between smelly feet and athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by a fungal infection, characterized by being contagious and recurrent. Typically, after contracting athlete's foot, small blisters may appear on the foot, and these blisters can burst, possibly resulting in an unpleasant odor or foot odor. Additionally, wearing shoes for a long time that are tightly fitted and cause excessive foot sweating might also contribute to the condition. If it is merely foot odor, it is related to the fermentation of bacteria on the foot, such as wearing synthetic socks or excessive sweating of the feet, and infrequent foot washing. These factors can all cause foot odor, which is different from athlete's foot. Foot odor requires frequent washing with hot water, and it is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods. Treatment for athlete's foot involves the application of antifungal creams. Furthermore, foot odor is not contagious, whereas athlete's foot is contagious.

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Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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The difference between pitted keratolysis and athlete's foot

Palmoplantar pustulosis, corresponding to hand fungus in Western medicine, typically affects adults, but can be contracted by individuals of any age, both male and female. It often affects one hand, but can also spread to both. Symptoms are more severe with blistering in the summer, while in winter, dryness and pain are more pronounced. The characteristic lesions begin with blisters on the palms and between the fingers, with the skin on the palm becoming keratinized, flaky, and blistered. After repeated outbreaks, the skin on the palm thickens, becomes dry and cracked, painful, and hindered in flexibility, resembling a goose's foot, hence the name "goose's foot wind." Athlete's foot, equivalent to tinea pedis in Western medicine, is named for its symptoms of maceration and itchiness of the soles, accompanied by a distinctive odor. It primarily affects the spaces between the toes but can also appear on the soles of the feet. The main features are blisters between the toes, maceration, oozing, excessive keratinization, flaking, and itching. There are clear differences between these two conditions.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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
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Is athlete's foot the same as foot odor?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is the same disease but with two different names, both caused by fungal infections. The most common symptoms include blisters, erosion, or even exudation on the soles of the feet or between toes. It typically presents with severe itching and possibly pain. Once detected, it is crucial to apply antifungal cream twice daily as early as possible. The treatment duration should be long enough to completely kill the deeply rooted fungi and prevent recurrence. Regular wearing of breathable shoes helps, and frequent sun exposure for disinfection of socks and shoes is advisable to avoid cross-infection. Avoid public baths, swimming, and contact with small animals. (Please use medications under medical supervision.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to completely cure recurrent athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the feet and is particularly prone to recurrent outbreaks. If recurrent outbreaks occur frequently, it is first and foremost important to pay attention to hygiene. Additionally, wearing breathable shoes and socks to keep the feet dry and clean is recommended. Avoid sharing footwear, towels, foot basins, and other personal items with others. Finally, it is crucial to adhere to treatment; the course of antifungal medication must be sufficient.