Overview
Itchy feet make you feel uncomfortable. The bottom part of your foot, commonly known as the sole, is rough and hard. On the contrary, the area between the digits of the foot is supple and soft. Therefore, it is vulnerable to infections if you do take care of it. An itchy and dry skin between the digits of the feet usually signifies a fungal invasion. It is possible to cure the infection with ordinary retail medications. An untreated infection may move to the toenails and other parts of the body. Consequently, extensive treatment may be required.
Description
The way the part between the digits of the foot appears gives clues about what might be causing the itchy feeling and redness. If you have red and dry skin, there are high chances that you have a fungal disease like ringworm and athlete’s foot. On the other hand, a reddish rash and bumps might signify rabies. Rabies results from mites that burrow underneath the skin. It is advisable to consult your physician who can carry out the correct diagnosis of the infected area and provide the appropriate treatment for the condition.
What are the Causes Itchy Toes?
Your toes and feet provide a perfect habitat for fungi to grow and spread. The space between the digits of your feet is usually damp and warm. Additionally, the skin in this area has dead cells that contain keratin, a source of nourishment for the fungus that causes the infection. Tinea pedis, which is also known as ringworm or athlete’s foot, is a common infection in this area of the foot. Dermatophytes or scabies may also lead to a dry and itchy rash in this area.
Transmission Modes
Tinea pedis grows well in warm and damp environments such as pool areas, locker rooms, and floors. The fungus is transmitted through both direct and indirect contact. Direct contact refers to body-to-body contact with a person who has the rash. Indirect contact occurs when people share items such as towels. Indirect contact also occurs when people walk barefooted in public places such as locker rooms and showers. Scabies normally occur in places where people stay close to each other like daycare facilities, classrooms, and dorms. Towels, sheets, and clothes may also help in the transmission of the mites that cause rabies.
Treatment Methods
Ordinary retain lotions and creams can cure most of the infections caused by fungi. Fungal infections that occur between toes might cause cracks on the skin. These cracks may let bacteria into the body, causing secondary infections. Antibiotic creams and oral medicines can treat bacterial infections. Untreated infections can easily move to other parts of the foot including the toenails and other toes. Use griseofulvin and other oral antifungal medications to treat widespread infections. Scabies can be treated with prescription creams. However, the itching might last for a number of weeks after the treatment commences.
Prevention
Always keep your feet clean and dry after taking a bath and before wearing clothes. Change your socks every day. Wear wool and cotton socks. Prevent scabies by avoiding body-to-body contact with infected people. Also, do not share things such as beddings, brushes, and towels with infected people.
