Do you have a burning and tingling sensation between your toes, accompanied by intense itching? If so, it could be Athlete’s Foot. This infection of the skin is caused by fungus and can become quite uncomfortable if left untreated. But it also begs the question: Can Athlete’s Foot spread to other parts of the body, such as your leg? Read on to find out more about this common fungal infection — including its symptoms and treatments — and whether or not it can end up affecting other areas of your body.
What is an athlete’s foot?
An athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin of the feet, usually caused by dermatophytes. It can cause itching, burning, blisters and even cracking between your toes or on the soles of your feet.
Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot on the leg:
- Itching and burning feeling: Athlete’s foot usually affects the skin between your toes and can cause an itchy, burning sensation. You may also feel a burning sensation when you walk or stand for long periods of time
- Discoloration: The affected area can turn from red to brown or yellowish-gray in color.
- Blistering and cracking: You may also notice the skin between your toes beginning to blister or crack, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
- Skin peeling: As the infection progresses, you may notice that the skin is starting to peel away from your feet or legs in small flakes or sheets.
Causes:
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. It can spread through skin-to-skin contact or through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels or flooring.
It is also possible to contract the infection from walking barefoot in public places such as swimming pools, locker rooms and showers.
Can Athlete’s Foot spread to leg?
Athlete’s foot can sometimes spread from the feet and affect other parts of the body, such as the legs. If you have athlete’s foot on your feet, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry and avoid direct contact with other people or surfaces that could be contaminated with the fungi.
If the infection spreads to your legs, you may notice redness, itching and burning in the affected area. The skin can also become discolored, blister or crack. If left untreated, the infection could spread further up your leg and even to other parts of your body.
How is it spread?
Athlete’s Foot is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person or through contact with contaminated surfaces. It can also be transmitted by animals, particularly those who come in contact with the feet of infected people. The fungus that causes Athlete’s Foot thrives in warm, moist environments — like locker rooms, showers, public pools, and even carpeted floors.
Can Athlete’s Foot Spread to Other Parts of the Body?
Although it is not common, there are cases where Athlete’s Foot has spread from the feet to other areas of the body. This can happen if you scratch your feet and then touch another area of skin with your contaminated hands, or if you wear tight-fitting clothes that cause friction between your feet and other parts of the body. The infection can spread to the legs, groin, hands, and even the scalp.
How Do I Treat Athlete’s Foot?
The best way to treat Athlete’s Foot is to keep your feet dry and clean at all times. Use an antifungal cream or powder on your feet and between your toes, particularly after showering. You should also wear socks that are made of breathable materials like cotton to help keep your feet dry. Make sure to wash all clothes, socks, and towels regularly in hot water with detergent. If the infection persists or becomes worse, you should consult your doctor for additional treatment options.
Prevention of athlete’s foot on the leg:
Wear shoes in public places such as swimming pools, locker rooms and showers: This will help to prevent contact with the fungi that cause athlete’s foot.
Use antifungal powder or cream on feet regularly: Try using an antifungal powder or cream on your feet after showering and before putting on socks and shoes.
Wear shoes that are breathable and comfortable: Choose shoes made from materials such as canvas, leather or mesh that provide ventilation to your feet and allow them to breathe.
Change socks regularly: Wearing the same pair of socks for days can cause moisture and bacteria to accumulate, which can lead to fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Change your socks at least once a day, and more often if you are exercising or working in hot conditions.
Keep feet dry: Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them or taking a shower. It is also important to allow the air to circulate around your feet by not wearing socks all the time, particularly when indoors.
Conclusion:
Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal infection that can cause burning, tingling and intense itching between the toes. It is highly contagious and can spread to other parts of the body, such as the legs. Proper hygiene practices, including wearing shoes in public places, using antifungal powder or cream on feet regularly, wearing shoes that are breathable and comfortable, changing socks regularly and keeping feet dry can help to prevent the infection from spreading. If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have Athlete’s Foot, it is important to speak with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
