The difference between tinea manuum (hand fungus) and athlete's foot (foot fungus)

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Athlete's foot belongs to diseases caused by fungal infections. Athlete's foot, also commonly known as foot odor, is the same thing, so there is no difference between the two; both are caused by fungal infections. Locally, there will be peeling, blisters, and severe itching. In serious cases, there may be dryness, cracking, and bleeding. Once this disease occurs, it must be treated formally. It can be cured by applying antifungal cream topically, but the treatment course will be relatively long. After cure, it is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, try to avoid contact with dirty water, sand, small animals, etc., do not wear slippers randomly, and avoid going to public baths and swimming to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

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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
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What vitamin is lacking in athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infections, and it is not related to a lack of vitamins or trace elements. Once it occurs, it is highly contagious and recurrent. Contact with others or wearing each other's slippers can lead to cross-infection. Once it appears, it is advisable to apply antifungal cream as early as possible. The treatment should be prolonged, lasting at least one month, or even more than two months, to potentially kill the deep-rooted fungus completely and prevent recurrence. During the treatment of athlete's foot, it is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits. Avoid public baths and swimming, try not to keep small animals at home, do not wear others' slippers, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and do not stay up late.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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 Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can soaking feet in mugwort leaves cure athlete's foot?

Mugwort leaves, as is widely known, are a type of Chinese herbal medicine. They predominantly exhibit a warming quality and are mainly used for foot soaks to treat ailments caused by cold-dampness and wind-cold, as well as conditions related to cold. In typical cases, athlete's foot, which is a fungal infection caused by fungi leading to inflammation, should be treated with antifungal medications, not by soaking in mugwort leaves. It's only effective for treating symptoms caused by cold conditions and wind-cold dampness, not athlete's foot. Therefore, it is recommended to choose antifungal medications for the treatment of athlete's foot. (Be sure to follow a doctor's guidance regarding specific medications.)

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How to completely cure sweaty athlete's foot

The occurrence of sweaty feet is actually related to individual physical conditions, such as localized hyperhidrosis which can cause this condition. At the same time, it might be accompanied by a fungal infection, so it is necessary to analyze the specific situation to determine the cause. Generally, antimicrobial treatment can also achieve certain effects, but it requires analysis based on the specific circumstances. Thus, there are unlikely to be major issues if medications are used correctly. Changes generally occur as long as the treatment is appropriate. Therefore, the treatment should be tailored to the patient’s own condition, choosing the medication depending on whether the patient has any drug allergies, etc. As long as there are no such issues, normal exercise is usually fine, although it cannot completely cure the condition. However, it is important to pay attention to lifestyle factors, especially local breathability, which can have a direct impact.