Startling Disease Behind Calluses and Foot Odor

As the weather turns hot and humid, concerns about ringworm, known as tinea, become more common. Especially when people walk barefoot around swimming pools or on the beach, they are at risk of exposure to ringworm fungi, so caution is needed. However, did you know that ringworm fungi can develop not only on your feet? Additionally, different skin conditions can arise due to fungal infections, so it’s crucial to distinguish between them for proper treatment accurately.

Calluses Can Develop Anywhere on the Skin

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can occur anywhere on the skin with calluses, not just on the feet. It tends to thrive in hot and humid environments and can appear on areas of the body that sweat heavily, such as the armpits, scalp, groin, and face. Many people often mistake it for another skin condition when it appears on these body parts, potentially missing the right time for treatment.

Various Types Based on the Causative Fungus

Ringworm can be categorized into different types, including “interdigital,” “acrofacial,” and “vesicular.” If you notice peeling skin and a foul odor between your toes, it may be classified as “interdigital.” “Acrofacial” ringworm is characterized by cracked skin on the soles of the feet, similar to dried rice paddies, and can cause bleeding. It accounts for about 40% of ringworm cases among patients. Lastly, “vesicular” ringworm presents with multiple small blisters on the feet, often accompanied by intense itching compared to other forms.

Tinea

Tinea, or ringworm, is a fungal infection classified into different types depending on the affected body part, such as “tinea capitis” (scalp ringworm), “tinea pedis” (foot ringworm), and “tinea faciei” (face ringworm). You can contract it by contacting someone carrying the fungus or through shared items like towels or shoes at public baths. Individuals with diabetes or chronic illnesses are at higher risk due to the increased likelihood of skin damage leading to infection. When infected, the skin is often itchy, moist, and peeling, with calluses shedding.

White Macula (in the skin)

White Macula is a condition caused by an infection of yeast known as Malassezia. It manifests when Malassezia excessively proliferates in the skin’s keratin layer. Similar to tinea versicolor, it often occurs in hot and humid environments. Suspicion arises when spotted discolorations appear on areas such as the armpits, neck, and chest. Characteristically, these patches exhibit a mixture of brown spots and white scales.

Tinea Cruris

Tinea cruris is where dermatophytes infect the groin area, commonly afflicting adult males. This condition thrives in regions with ample sweat, making the groin an ideal breeding ground for fungi. Symptoms include the appearance of ring-shaped rashes with distinct borders, accompanied by brown pigmentation and the presence of pustules, blisters, and scales. Neglecting treatment may lead to secondary infections, causing the condition to spread, with the development of pus and oozing requiring prompt medical attention.

Scabies in Children

Scabies is a common skin ailment in children during the summer months and is known for its highly contagiousness. It typically spreads through contact with insects or open wounds, such as atopic dermatitis. Symptoms include the formation of blisters, pustules, and yellowish patches. Due to its highly contagious nature, the condition can quickly spread throughout the entire body, often accompanied by fever and diarrhea. In cases of mild symptoms, cleaning the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, removing blisters, and applying antibiotic ointment is advisable.

Often Confused with Eczema

Distinguishing between eczema and other skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can be challenging. It’s crucial to avoid inadvertently applying anti-eczema creams to areas affected by tinea versicolor, as these may exacerbate fungal growth. Dermatitis treatment creams typically contain corticosteroids, suppressing the local immune response and promoting fungal growth. Therefore, seeking professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment is recommended in cases of uncertainty.

Preventing Family Transmission

If one family member contracts ringworm, precautions should be taken to prevent transmission within the household. Using separate clothing and towels is essential, and not relying on home remedies if an infection is suspected. Seek prompt medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Requires Patience

Tinea requires patience for recovery. Applying ointment for about a week seems to alleviate the symptoms as the fungus on the epidermis dies. Still, there is a possibility of recurrence as the fungal spores deeply penetrate the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to continue applying medication for at least 6 weeks. If there is no improvement with topical medication, oral antifungal medication should be taken for 2-4 weeks.

Preventing Skin Conditions Due to Sweating

Maintaining clean skin is essential to prevent skin conditions caused by sweating during the summer. Sweating should be wiped off regularly to prevent the body and clothes from becoming wet. After going outdoors, it’s important to thoroughly wash any sweat from the body and ensure that the skin is completely dry to prevent fungal growth.

By. Jeon Sin-yeong (press@daily.co.kr)