With ageing, the bodies of the elderly persons are more subjected to the difficulties like a fungal infection in elderly feet. The reasons for developing fungal or yeast infections are several. One of the most common reasons is a weak immune system in the elderly. The elderly person suffering from skin issues, diabetes and compromised circulation helps in enhancing the fungal infection. In fact, the replacement power of the infected cells is quite low due to the slow growth of the nails of the senior citizens.
One of the most common fungal infections in the elderly is the Athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is generally a rash noticed in the foot’s skin. There are three different types of Athlete’s foot are generally seen in the feet of the elderly person. However, each type of it affects various foot parts and looks quite different from one another.
Causes of Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that is mainly seen at the surface of the elderly feet. This is basically noticed in the areas between the toes as the fungi are likely to grow in wet and warm places.
Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can easily spread from an infected person to a non-infected person. However, in most cases, the elderly person gets this infection by walking barefoot on the contaminated places. The fungi then find their ways inside the shoes, especially there is no room for air circulation inside. Once this fungal infection in seniors occurs, there are high chances for them to have it again and again.
Symptoms of Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot that grows between your feet creates an itching sensation in the feet of the affected elderly. The elderly suffering from this infection is generally seen to have cracks and skin peeling. However, symptoms vary based on the types of this fungal infection.
● Toe Web Infection- This type of fungal infection in elderly feet generally occurs within the fourth and fifth toes. Cracks and peels are generally seen on the skin of the infected elderly person. Even the skin becomes scaly and deteriorates with time.
● Moccasin Type Infection- Soreness on the feet is the main symptom followed by the cracks and thickened heels. In some worst cases, the pathogenic microorganism affects the toenails. The toenails become crumble and thicken and sometimes fall off. Separate care of the toenails is generally required in this case.
● Vesicular Type Infection- Fluid-filled blisters below the skin are usually noticed in this fungal infection. The blisters generally appeared at the bottom of the elderly’s feet. However, you can notice these blisters anywhere on your feet. Bacterial infection along with this infection is also seen.
Treatment of Athlete’s foot
Athlete's foot is generally treated with the OTC (over-the-counter) antifungal drugs. If treatment with OTC drugs fails, then your physician can recommend you to consume oral or topical prescription-strength antifungal drugs. Your physician may also advise for some home remedies against this fungal infection in elderly feet.
OTC Drugs-
There are numerous OTC drugs available in today’s market, they are:
● Miconazole (Desenex)
● Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
● Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
● Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
● Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
Prescription Drugs-
Most common prescribed drugs are as follows:
● Topical antifungal drugs like Clotrimazole or Miconazole
● Oral antifungal drugs like Fluconazole (Diflucan), Terbinafine (Lamisil), Itraconazole (Sporanox), etc.
● Steroid drugs to lower painful inflammation
Home Remedy-
Dipping your feet in the water containing vinegar or salt is too useful for drying up blisters. Tea tree oil is also proven as one of the best remedies against fungal infection in elderly feet.
Conclusion
Overall, these treatments are highly effective against the fungal infection in elderly feet. We hope this information is of immense help to you for getting the perfect solution against this contagious fungal infection. Don’t forget to consult a doctor before consuming any medicine.
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