[Column] Is this athlete's foot? Be careful of these symptoms! Are your feet okay? Check your feet right now! What happens if you leave athlete's foot untreated? Key countermeasures for each symptom! Athlete's foot is often associated with painful itching, but in some cases, there are no obvious symptoms such as blisters or itching. You might have athlete's foot without even realizing it.Ignoring athlete's foot because you may not notice any symptoms can not only worsen the condition but also spread it to others. Even if you don't have any noticeable symptoms, take another look at your feet. Are your feet okay? Check your feet right now! Athlete's foot is essentially a condition where a type of fungus called dermatophyte infests the hands and feet. Here, we will look at some of the typical symptoms of athlete's foot that can occur on the feet. Between the toes This is the most common type of athlete's foot. One of its characteristics is that it most often occurs between the fourth toes (between the ring finger and the little finger). It can be divided into two types: the "wet type," in which the skin between the toes becomes moist, soggy, and oozing, and the "dry type," in which the skin peels thinly, becomes red, and in severe cases, cracks appear in the skin. Soles of the feet, edges, and base of the toes This type of athlete's foot causes small blisters to form at the base of the toes, on the soles of the feet, and around the edges of the feet. It doesn't always cause itching, so you might notice small blisters at first, but then the itching gradually worsens, and before you know it, the area becomes red and swollen. When the blisters burst, fluid comes out, and the skin gradually dries up and peels. In the early stages, the blisters may not be very noticeable, so it's important to be careful not to leave it untreated, as this can easily lead to a worsening of the condition. heel Although there is no itching or other noticeable symptoms, this type requires extreme caution.Athlete's foot can develop on the entire sole of the foot, including areas of the heel where the stratum corneum is thick and the skin is hard. It can appear as a powdery, flaky condition. If you've noticed your heels have been dry and rough lately, consider the possibility that you might have athlete's foot. What happens if you leave athlete's foot untreated? Ignoring athlete's foot just because you don't have any noticeable symptoms is very dangerous. Not only can the symptoms worsen and become harder to treat, but it can also spread from your feet to other parts of your body, such as your hands and nails.Once the toenails become infected, the fungus multiplies rapidly within them. Onychomycosis is even more difficult to treat than the hyperkeratotic type, and over-the-counter medications are ineffective. Even if the symptoms on the feet clear up, reinfection from the nails is possible. Furthermore, if one person in a household has athlete's foot, there is a fairly high probability that it will spread to others. Therefore, it's important to seek treatment promptly, not only for your own sake but also to prevent infection of those around you. Key countermeasures for each symptom! The key points of treatment for athlete's foot vary depending on the type.It is important to understand the characteristics of each condition in order to provide effective treatment. Common spots for athlete's foot: between the toes, at the base of the toes, and on the soles and edges of the feet. Topical medication is the basic treatment. By continuously applying an antifungal medication that is effective against the fungus, complete recovery can be expected in most cases. However, it is important not to stop using the medication immediately just because symptoms such as itching have disappeared. Even if the symptoms are gone, the fungus may still be present. To prevent recurrence, continue applying the medication for at least one month. The average treatment period is one to three months. Key points for treating athlete's foot on the heels In recent years, urea-containing medications have become available that are effective against athlete's foot in areas with thickened keratinized skin by softening the skin. Since recurrence is very common, it's important to be patient with treatment. Tips for a proper recovery To properly treat athlete's foot, it's important to keep the affected area clean. When bathing, be sure to wash with soap, and if you sweat, wipe it off with a towel and dry it thoroughly. Also, when applying medication, it's best to apply it broadly to the affected area, especially after bathing when the skin is soft. Athlete's foot is a treatable condition. Let's aim for healthy and beautiful feet by getting proper treatment! See details here. Customer reviews of the lineup. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.