Antifungal Ringworm Athletes Foot

Ringworm Athlete’s foot and other such fungal infections of the skin are caused by superficial fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytes. These are some of the most common contracted self-treatable minor medical conditions. As opposed to more serious fungal conditions, such as candidiasis or sporotrichosis, dermatophytes are limited to the upper layer of skin, where they subsist on the dead skin cells called keratin.

Ringworm is not caused by a worm or other parasite.  Fungi are present everywhere in our environment, including on the human body. They thrive in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds. In most cases, they are easy to eradicate.  Ringworm of the skin is most commonly caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum, which spreads from one person to another. It can also be caused by Microsporum canis, which is spread by cats and dogs. This type is less common but causes a more severe infection.

Some people are more likely susceptible to fungal infections than others. The tendency to get fungal skin infections or to have them return after treatment seems to run in families. In spite of the use of an antifungal ringworm athlete’s foot can be a recurring problem.  Common in male athletes, but the general population is also susceptible to this fungal infection. Ringworm is common among wrestlers, probably because of the skin-to-skin contact. Using public showers and locker rooms will greatly increase the odds of someone contracting Athlete’s foot.

Fungi grow best in steamy locker rooms.  These places are filled with damp towels, sweaty workout clothes, and wet floors.  Sharing contaminated items like towels, clothing, and sports equipment, and by direct contact with an infected person is a dangerous practice when trying to avoid the spread of ringworm athlete’s foot. Most ringworm infections cause a rash that may be peeling, cracking, scaling, itching, and red. Sometimes the infection can form blisters, especially on the feet.  While extremely annoying, athlete’s foot usually is not serious, but secondary bacterial infection are something to be concerned about. Coming down with a secondary infection is a hazard that can sometimes accompany the fungal infection.

These secondary complications may develop as such things as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers.   A ringworm infection of the groin or “jock itch” is often passed to other body parts by unsuspecting patients by accidentally spreading athlete’s foot fungus to the groin area.  People with athlete’s foot also commonly spread it to their hands.  This is called tinea manuum.