Is foot fungus contagious?

Foot hygiene is one of the most often overlooked types of hygiene. Most of the time, we barely give our feet any kind of attention, much less simply looking at our feet regularly. While there is little to worry about, your feet could get infected with foot fungus that could embarrass you and cause discomfort. Foot fungus is a common fungal infection that mainly affects the skin area between the toes. With the spreading nature of fungi, there’s often the question: Is foot fungus contagious? This article will answer this common question, give you ways on how foot fungus can be spread and the most common symptoms of foot fungus.

What is Foot Fungus?

Before we can answer the question of whether foot fungus is contagious, we should first dive in to what it is and how you can get it.

Also referred to as athlete’s foot, foot fungus is a skin infection that mainly affects the skin around your toes, especially the part between your toes. The infection is often caused by mold-like germs that often live in the dead cells on your skin. While this fungal infection is notorious between the toes, if untreated, it is possible for it to spread to the sole and the sides of your feet. Foot fungus causes a great deal of discomfort, with an itchy burning sensation. Aesthetically, an infected foot doesn’t look pleasing at all.

Fungi is known to thrive in warm, dark and moist areas. If you frequently enclose your feet in tight shoes, or if your feet sweat a lot, then you are bound to give way for a perfect breeding ground for fungus to grow.

Is foot fungus contagious?

The simple answer to this question is yes, foot fungus is indeed contagious. Typically, it is not as infectious as a cold or flu, it is possible for foot fungus to transfer from one person to another under specific conditions. Coming into direct contact with an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces could get you infected.

It is also possible to spread the fungal infection to other parts of the body, when you touch an infected area then going on to touch a non-infected area of your skin that is situated at a dark and often moist area, like your arm pits, then you are bound to spread the infection.

Sharing towels, walking on public floors barefoot as well as sharing shooes and clothes are some of the practices that create a perfect condition for foot fungus to spread.

Foot Fungus Symptoms

• Discoloration. The affected area could change colour from white to yellow brown.
• Crumbly nails.
• Unpleasant odour on your toes.
• Dark nails that are a little lifted at the nail beds.
• Discomforting pain.

Conclusion

To prevent the spread of foot fungus, it’s important to practice good foot hygiene. This includes keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing clean socks and shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas. If you suspect that you have foot fungus, it’s important to seek treatment to prevent spreading it to others.