Athlete’s Foot: Understanding the Risks and Prevention Methods

Patients with Athlete’s Foot are Concentrated in July to September When the Heat Persists

Athlete’s foot is a common condition, but it should never be taken lightly. If left untreated, it can spread to the hands, toenails, and scalp, increasing the risk of hair loss. In some cases, people try to treat it with unproven folk remedies, which can worsen the condition.

The number of patients with athlete’s foot is increasing. In 2021, 2.18 million people visited hospitals for athlete’s foot, with most cases concentrated in July and August when the heat is at its peak. This year, the number of patients with athlete’s foot is expected to increase as the heat wave continues in September.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that mainly occurs on the feet, but if not treated in time, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause various aftereffects. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot feeds on the keratin proteins of fingernails, toenails, and hair.

To prevent the spread of athlete’s foot, it is essential to avoid sharing personal items such as slippers and nail clippers. In communal facilities like homes, it is common for family members to be infected by each other, so it is crucial to treat the condition promptly.

Scratching the scalp without knowing that you have athlete’s foot on your fingernails can spread the condition to the scalp, leading to hair loss symptoms. If you experience itching on your scalp, it is safe to get a checkup at a dermatology clinic and apply prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot often recurs due to dermatophytes remaining in socks or shoes. To prevent recurrence, it is best to wash your feet well, dry them well, and wear shoes with good ventilation. If you have diabetes, repeated bacterial infections due to athlete’s foot increase the risk of necrosis of the toes and cellulitis.

Prevention is key to managing athlete’s foot. By taking simple precautions such as avoiding sharing personal items, washing your feet regularly, and wearing shoes with good ventilation, you can reduce the risk of developing athlete’s foot and its associated complications.