Posts Tagged ‘tinea pedis’

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Groin

Superficial fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytes, are some of the most common self-treatable trivial medical conditions affecting the population today. As many as one in five Americans have a dermatophyte infection at any particular time. When talking about the number of people affected the overall frequency is exceeded only by acne. Dermatophytes are limited to the upper layer of skin, where they subsist on the dead skin cells called keratin. There are several common dermatophytic infections constantly active in the United States. Ringworm, athlete’s foot, groin infection or what is commonly referred to as jock itch, are also quite common. It is difficult to determine the exact incidence of groin infections. It is not a reportable disease. Another factor that hinders documenting cases is the fact that patients are able to recognize it and treat it until it is cured.

Itching of the groin and in the genital area can be bacterial, but more often than not is caused by fungal infections. Humidity and moisture are contributing factors to coming down with any fungal infection. What occurs is similar to the growth patterns that are seen in molds, mildew, and similar plant species. They prefer warmth and moisture to be more specific. Clothing that fits tightly is thought to be an influencing factor in most fungal groin infections. For women, wearing pants instead of dresses has been labeled as one such influencing factor. Two significant factors come into play here. The first is the potential for moisture to accumulate underneath tight confining garments. Another is the risk of wearing clothing that has become contaminated and is not cleaned well. That is why most experts will recommend boiling the underclothing or contaminated garments thoroughly to minimize the occasion of the infection coming back.

The fungi that cause athlete’s foot also may cause jock itch or tinea cruris, which is an infection of the groin.  Toenail infection (onychomycosis), and fungal infection of the hand called tinea manuum can also be spread by athlete’s foot fungi. Vice versa having any of these other fungal infections is a risk factor for athlete’s foot. Most people who get this rash are in good health. Ringworm, athlete’s foot, groin infections occur more often in teenagers and young adults.   These infections are also more likely to show up if a person is experiencing hormonal imbalances or has a suppressed immune system.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Tinea Pedis

Athlete’s foot is a rash that occurs on the soles of the feet and the skin between the toes. It is the most common fungal infection in the United States and is estimated to affect up to 70% of the world’s population at some time in their life. Ringworm athlete’s foot, tinea pedis in medical terms, is common worldwide in adults of both sexes and all races.  In a study done comparing professional and college soccer players to non-athletes did show that athlete’s foot was notably more common in the soccer players. This infection is not only found in athletes. It is also common in military personnel, boarding school students, and farm workers.

There are three main types of athlete’s foot.  Each type has a different appearance and symptoms, though any two or even all three types may occur together.  Interdigital athlete’s foot is an infection of the web spaces between the toes.  It is most often seen between the 4th and 5th toes. The skin appears moist and waterlogged and is often itchy.  This is the most common kind of athlete’s foot.  It has been found that some people seem to be much more susceptible to athlete’s foot than others.  Even in those who have an otherwise normal immune system. There is a type of immunity known as the innate immune system.  It could be that slight variances in this system may make some people more resistant to athlete’s foot than others. Studies have shown that a protein with antimicrobial properties, known as beta-defensin-2, is elevated in skin from people with athlete’s foot, suggesting that this protein may play a role in host defense against fungus.

Ringworm, athlete’s foot, tinea pedis are all names for this contagious skin infection.  It may be contracted by using locker rooms and communal showers that are teeming with the causative fungi. It is more common in areas of high heat and humidity and in people who wear shoes. It is a fact that in cultures where people go barefoot, athlete’s foot is quite rare.  The fungi that cause athlete’s foot require moisture in order to grow. Feet that spend hours a day confined in shoes provide the damp dark environment needed.  To prevent athlete’s foot be aware of these risk factors, living in a warm humid climate, wearing air-tight shoes, using locker rooms and public showers, having another fungal infection such as jock itch, fungal toenails, or fungal infection of the hand, Immunosuppression and diabetes mellitus.

Antifungal Lamisil Cream Ringworm

Tinea corporis is ringworm of body parts other than scalp, face, and feet. Skin infections like ringworm can be treated with antifungal creams or ointments.  Applying antifungal creams like Lamisil or tolnaftate for around two weeks treats such ringworm infections. Tolnaftate is a popular ingredient in over the counter topical anti-fungal creams. Tolnaftate is used to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It is an antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.  Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after starting the treatment.  Discontinuing the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Pets should also be treated if infection is suspected.  Many of these products are available without a prescription. Use a nonprescription antifungal cream with miconazole or clotrimazole in it. Brand names include Micatin, Tinactin, Monistat, and Lotrimin. Terbinafine cream or Lamisil is also available without a prescription.

Tinea Pedis or athlete’s foot as it is known to most, is common in males and athletes. This appears as white and moist skin between toes. Although creams offer relief for the infection, you can take oral products for effective treatment for severe cases of ringworm skin infections. Treating ringworm is a must because not only is it extremely contagious but ringworm infection can lead to chronic problems and diseases. Dermatophytes live on dead tissues of nail, hair, and skin. This fungus causes ringworm skin infection although there are many other ringworm causing fungi. Treating the fungal infection may be a long drawn out procedure, as different types of ringworm infections need different treatments.  Tinea Unguium is ringworm infection that attacks the nails and leads to a thickening and discoloration of the toenails. There are several effective treatments for such ringworm infections. Severe cases of infections in nails need oral treatments. With a product containing tolnaftate like antifungal Lamisil cream ringworm will be treated and faster relief will be achieved.

When taking precautions to avoid ringworm type infections stay away from the following, direct skin-to-skin contact with a human infected with ringworm or contact with an animal infected with ringworm.  The infection is carried by many animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and even horses, pigs, and goats.  Sharing another person’s towel or bedding could spread the infection that causes ringworm. Even playing in the dirt, though rare, has been thought to cause ringworm infection.