What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
Disease description:
My feet have been itchy lately, and a friend mentioned it might be athlete's foot. I would like to know what symptoms are associated with athlete's foot?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Foot fungus, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common skin disease caused by fungal infection. The main symptoms include:
1. Itching: This is the most typical symptom. Patients often experience intense itching, especially between the toes, on the soles, and on the heels.
2. Peeling and scaling: The infected skin may shed and flake. In severe cases, large areas of skin may peel off.
3. Redness and inflammation: The affected skin may become red and swollen, sometimes accompanied by mild pain.
4. Blisters or small rashes: Small, thick-walled blisters about the size of a grain of rice may develop between the toes, along the edges of the feet, and on the soles. These blisters are resistant to rupture and are often accompanied by itching.
5. Hyperkeratotic type: The skin on the soles, foot edges, and heels may thicken, become rough and scaly. Cracks may develop easily in winter, accompanied by pain.
6. Odor: Due to the metabolic products of the fungi, the infected area may emit an unpleasant odor.
7. Cracks and bleeding: In cases of very thickened or dry skin, cracks may develop, sometimes even leading to bleeding.
Therefore, if any of the above symptoms appear, timely medical treatment is necessary to prevent the condition from worsening. At the same time, it is important to maintain personal hygiene, keep the feet clean and dry, and avoid sharing personal items with others to prevent the occurrence and spread of foot fungus.
