What kind of fungus is athlete's foot?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on February 08, 2025
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Athlete's foot is caused by pathogenic fungi, mainly including dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi not only are contagious, allowing transmission to others but can also spread from one part of the body to another, potentially causing other fungal infections. Therefore, it is essential to treat athlete's foot promptly with antifungal therapy. Additionally, it is important to enhance skin resistance, keep the skin clean and dry, and avoid consuming irritating foods.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Best treatment methods for tinea pedis (athlete's foot)

Athlete's foot and hand fungus are diseases caused by fungal infections. Once the fungus attaches to the skin surface, it forms an infection. Over time, the fungus can penetrate deeper, and the symptoms will gradually worsen. The best treatment method for this disease is to directly apply antifungal cream twice a day, and continue for at least one to two months or more, which can completely cure it. You can also frequently wash with hot water and apply iodine, which also has a certain antifungal effect. After the disease is cured, it is important to prevent recurrence. It is recommended not to keep small animals at home. If you do have small pets, be sure to maintain cleanliness. Avoid wearing random slippers, do not go to public baths or swimming pools, sun-disinfect used socks and shoes, and avoid touching dirty water, soil, etc., with bare hands.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Athlete's foot, what is it?

Tinea manuum and tinea pedis are diseases caused by fungal infections. These diseases have a high incidence rate, are highly contagious, and tend to recur. They typically occur due to exposure to external fungal infections, which initiate erosion on the surface of the palms or soles and gradually infiltrate the deeper layers of the skin. This can lead to peeling or blistering, and the itching can be intense. These conditions are also quite contagious. Once this disease occurs, it is essential to seek proper medical treatment. Treatment can be administered at a dermatology department of a standard hospital using antifungal creams applied twice daily. Persisting with the treatment for one to two months can lead to a complete recovery. After recovery, it is crucial to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits. Avoid public baths and swimming pools, do not share flip-flops, and ensure that used items are disinfected by exposure to sunlight.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What causes athlete's foot?

The main cause of athlete's foot is direct fungal infection, which is highly contagious and recurrent over time. The most common way of contracting the fungus is through direct contact with it via the hands and feet. For instance, if pets are kept at home and their hygiene is not well maintained, and they are often petted, the fungus can be transferred to the hands. During the process of washing feet, the fungus on the hands can cross-contaminate the feet, so this disease is mostly related to direct contact. It is recommended to seek professional treatment at a reputable hospital's dermatology department. Antifungal ointment can be applied topically, twice a day, and the treatment should be persisted for one to two months or longer. After recovery, avoid bathing or swimming in public baths, and do not share towels or bath scrubs with family members.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat tinea manuum and tinea pedis?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection, with high infectivity and recurrence rates. Generally, the most common treatment is to directly apply antifungal ointment. With long-term treatment, it is usually completely curable. It is also beneficial to frequently wash the area with hot water to reduce the spread of the fungus locally. Additionally, washing with diluted salt water or water boiled with Sichuan peppercorns can inhibit and kill the fungus. After healing, prevention of recurrence is important. Avoid wearing flip-flops carelessly, steer clear of public baths and swimming pools, and do not share bathtubs or foot towels at home to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can tinea pedis be cured?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection. Although it is highly contagious and recurrent, it can be completely cured. The treatment must be standardized and must be adhered to for a long time. The most commonly used antifungal ointments available on the market can cure it. The treatment course must be adhered to for at least one to two months or even longer to achieve eradication. After recovery, prevention of recurrence is advised, such as avoiding contact with dirty water, soil, or petting small animals. It is recommended not to bathe in public baths or swim, and if there is someone with the same disease at home, they must be treated at the same time. Additionally, do not share towels, bath scrubs, or foot towels.