Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tightfitting shoes.

Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing.

Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but the infection often recurs. Prescription medications also are available.

SYMPTOMS OF ATHLETE'S FOOT

Athlete's foot usually causes a scaly red rash. The rash typically begins in between the toes. Itching is often the worst right take off the shoes and socks.

Some types of athlete's foot feature blisters or ulcers. The moccasin variety of athlete's foot causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up the side of the foot. It can be mistaken for eczema or dry skin.

The infection can affect one or both feet and can spread to our hand — especially if we scratch or pick at the infected parts of our feet.

CAUSES OF ATHLETE'S FOOT

Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth.

Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF ATHLETE'S FOOT

Graphites : Useful homeopathic medicines for athlete’s foot where the condition is accompanied by cracks.There is dry, rough skin along with cracks between the toes.Useful for moist and crusty eruptions which ooze out a sticky exudation . Very useful  where the eruptions in the folds break easily and are very slow to heal.

Thuja : Useful for athlete’s foot  with eruptions only on the covered parts. Useful for dry skin, which is very sensitive to the touch. There is violent itching or burning.Useful when scratching and cold bathing makes the condition worse.Also useful where there is needle pricking sensation. 

Silicea : Useful for athlete’s foot with boils coming out in crops along with foul pus on the feet and toes.There is intense itching, especially during the daytime and evening.

Baryta Carbonica : Useful for athele’s foot cases with intolerable itching. There is burning sensation and needle-like pricks with violent itching.Very helpful in excoriating and oozing athlete’s foot cases with difficulty in healing. 

Nitric Acidum : Useful for athlete’s foot with splinter-like pains. There is unhealthy skin with pus formation where crusts form and fall, along with severe pain. There is dry skin, eroded and cracked at every angle. Useful for violent itching, especially on undressing.

Petroleum :Useful for athlete’s foot with marked rough and cracked skin. There is deep cracks in the skin folds, especially in the toes. Useful when skin gets hard and raw, and the cracks bleed easily.Useful for thick greenish crusts with marked burning, itching and bleeding. 

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