Fungal skin infection and athlete's foot
About skin fungus and athlete's foot
Dermatophytes are the most common cause of skin fungus and athlete's foot. Skin fungus usually attacks the feet, meaning there is no difference between skin fungus and athlete's foot, other than to differentiate the location of the infection. Trichophyton rubrum is a type of filamentous fungus and is behind 75% of all skin fungal infections
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Skin fungus and athlete's foot cause the skin to peel, flake, and crack, and can cause it to itch and sting. In some cases, the affected area may also start to seep. Skin fungus and athlete's foot can be treated with both prescription and non-prescription drugs. These come in many different forms and are usually applied directly onto the affected area.
Skin fungus and athlete's foot are usually completely harmless, but in some more severe cases they can cause the skin to crack. These cracks can cause erysipelas. Erysipelas causes redness, tenderness and edema in the affected area, as well as fever and sometimes vomiting. With severe inflammation or for people with an impaired immune system, it may be necessary to treat it with antibiotics.
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Skin fungus and athlete's foot are, in most cases, caused by filamentous fungus attacking and infecting the outermost layer of skin. This layer is called the stratum corneum and consists of dead cells, and are therefore not guaranteed to cause any discomfort, at least at the start. The fungus can spread over large areas of skin and can also spread onto the nails.
Filamentous fungus spreads easily through both direct and indirect contact with floors and objects. It thrives well in warm and humid environments, so to avoid being infected by athlete's foot, the feet should be washed daily and then dried thoroughly. Also avoid wearing tight socks, as well as using them for more than one day. Likewise, sealed shoes such as boots should not be used more than necessary, and when visiting common wet areas like swimming pools and exercise facilities, bath slippers are recommended.
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With Dynamic Code's skin and athlete's foot test, you can test whether you have skin fungus caused by filamentous fungus (dermatophytes) and get help with the condition, without having to visit a health centre. You buy the Skin and Foot Fungus test on Dynamic Code's website and the test kit is then sent to the address you specify when ordering. When you receive the test kit, you take a skin sample with the enclosed sampling material according to the instructions, and then send the sample to Dynamic Code's quality-assured laboratory. The sample is taken by scraping the skin on the affected area, so it does not hurt. Three days after the sample arrives at the laboratory, you can access your result on the Dynamic Code website. With your personal analysis code, you get the test result and find out whether or not your sample contained filamentous fungi (dermatophytes) within the Trichophyton, Microsporum and/or Epidermophyton genera.
If your sample is found to contain filamentous fungi (dermatophytes) within the Trichophyton, Microsporum and/or Epidermophyton genera, you can receive guidance to contact a digital health care provider who will help you. If you prefer to use a different care provider to the ones Dynamic Code refer you to, simply print your test result and take it with you.
If the sample is negative, i.e., it did not contain filamentous fungi (dermatophytes) within the Trichophyton, Microsporum and/or Epidermophyton genera, and you continue to experience symptoms, it may be due to other skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis.
