Can Athletes foot be serious?

Athlete’s foot — also called tinea pedis — 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 athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes. Athlete’s foot isn’t serious, but sometimes it’s hard to cure.

What happens if you don’t fix athlete’s foot?

All of the area between your toes may become affected, the skin on your heels may grow thick and cracked, or your toenails may suffer infection. Toenails affected by a fungal infection are quite hard to treat and require efforts beyond the standard antifungals used for mild cases of athlete’s foot.

How does athlete’s foot affect the integumentary system?

Athlete’s foot causes scaling, flaking, and itching of the affected skin. Blisters and cracked skin may also occur, leading to exposed raw tissue, pain, swelling, and inflammation. Secondary bacterial infection can accompany the fungal infection, sometimes requiring a course of oral antibiotics.

Can athlete’s foot make you sick?

People who suffer from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot are prone to cellulitis because the fungus commonly causes breaks in the skin. Among other potential symptoms, a person who has cellulitis might experience: Fever or sweating.

Can athlete’s foot spread internally?

Athlete’s foot can result in problems for your skin, but it does not spread internally through the body. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious, though, and it spreads easily through contact with the infected area. Scratching at the infection can spread it to the hands and other areas.

Can Athlete’s foot cause nerve damage?

Although neuropathies in the athlete’s foot, ankle, and leg are uncommon, they are often underdiagnosed, primarily because of the complex interplay of causative factors. The physician should be aware of the possible occurrence of these neuropathies, and should be familiar with the anatomy and course of the nerves.

What body system does athlete’s foot affect?

Athlete’s foot between the toes Athlete’s foot can cause cracked peeling skin between the toes. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes.