Athletes Foot Treatments
Athleteu2019s foot u2014 also called tinea pedis u2014 is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It can also spread to the toenails and the hands. The fungal infection is called athleteu2019s foot because itu2019s commonly seen in athletes. Athleteu2019s foot isnu2019t serious, but sometimes itu2019s hard to cure. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system and suspect you have athleteu2019s foot, you should call your doctor right away. Athleteu2019s foot occurs when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. You can catch the fungus through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Itu2019s commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools. A doctor may diagnose athleteu2019s foot by the symptoms. Or, a doctor may order a skin test if they arenu2019t sure a fungal infection is causing your symptoms. A skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam is the most common test for athleteu2019s foot. A doctor scrapes off a small area of infected skin and places it in potassium hydroxide. The KOH destroys normal cells and leaves the fungal cells untouched so they are easy to see under a microscope. Athleteu2019s foot u2014 also called tinea pedis u2014 is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It can also spread to the toenails and the hands. The fungal infection is called athleteu2019s foot because itu2019s commonly seen in athletes. Athleteu2019s foot isnu2019t serious, but sometimes itu2019s hard to cure. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system and suspect you have athleteu2019s foot, you should call your doctor right away. Athleteu2019s foot occurs when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. You can catch the fungus through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Itu2019s commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools. A doctor may diagnose athleteu2019s foot by the symptoms. Or, a doctor may order a skin test if they arenu2019t sure a fungal infection is causing your symptoms. A skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam is the most common test for athleteu2019s foot. A doctor scrapes off a small area of infected skin and places it in potassium hydroxide. The KOH destroys normal cells and leaves the fungal cells untouched so they are easy to see under a microscope.
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