Table of contents:
- The cause of water fleas
- 1. Using shoes that are too tight
- 2. Often go barefoot in damp areas
- 3. Do not change shoes and socks
- 4. There is a wound on the leg
- Water flea skin disease can be contagious
Water fleas are one type of ringworm that attacks the foot area, but not infrequently can also spread to the hands. This disease can cause symptoms in the form of itching and discomfort in your feet. So, what are the causes of water fleas?
The cause of water fleas
Water fleas, aka tinea pedis, are problems that arise on the skin in the foot area. Although called water fleas, this disease is not caused by fleas, but due to an infection from a fungus that inhabits the skin, hair, and nail tissue on the feet or hands.
The fungus that causes water fleas is included in a group of dermatophyte fungi which are a group of fungi that require a layer of keratin (a layer of protein that protects skin, hair and nails) to grow and reproduce. The impact will damage the skin and nails.
Some types of mushrooms are Trichophyton, T. interdigitale, and Epidermophyton. Actually, this fungus can be present at any time and will not cause problems as long as your skin is dry and clean.
Conversely, if the skin of the hands or especially the feet is wet, moist, and warm for a long time, it will be easier for fungus to grow.
Here are some habits that can be the cause of susceptibility to water flea fungus growth.
1. Using shoes that are too tight
Shoes that are too tight will cause your feet to become damp and sweaty, especially between your toes. In addition, the material of the shoes you wear is also very influential. The reason is, shoes made of synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic are easier to make your feet sweat.
Plus if you often do physical activity using shoes. Usually athletes who use their feet a lot when doing activities are more susceptible to this condition. For this reason, this disease is called by name athlete's foot.
You can prevent this by removing your shoes immediately after going out or doing activities all day, then washing your feet thoroughly. Also, make sure your feet are dry when you return to wearing your shoes.
2. Often go barefoot in damp areas
For example, when you walk barefoot around a pool, gym, or public bathroom. Chances are, there is a fungus that causes water fleas on the floors of these places, given that damp and wet areas can be ideal places for mold to breed.
Therefore, wear special sandals or footwear such as flip-flops to avoid the risk of disease, including bathing in the gym.
3. Do not change shoes and socks
Mold can thrive in warm, humid areas such as in hot, sweaty shoes. It is not impossible if the fungus also starts to settle on your socks.
If you use the same shoes and socks over and over again, your risk of getting water fleas is higher.
To fix this, have a spare shoe so that it can be used interchangeably. Don't forget to change your socks every day. If the event or the destination does not require wearing shoes, choose sandals or open shoes, especially if the weather or the weather is hot.
4. There is a wound on the leg
Apparently, a wound or injury to the skin of the feet can also be a cause of water flea infection. When a wound is exposed to fungus, the fungus will enter the skin layer through small cracks in the wound and infect the top layer.
Water flea skin disease can be contagious
The fungus that lives and develops on the feet of people with water fleas can be transmitted to the feet of other people. Especially when the infected person has a weak immune system.
This can occur through skin contact, for example when your hands or feet accidentally come into contact with someone else's water flea or ringworm wounds. This transmission is also known as direct contact.
Meanwhile, indirect transmission can occur if you borrow personal items such as clothes, towels, shoes, or socks from an infected person. The item may have been contaminated so you could catch it as a result of its use.
In addition to keeping the skin of your feet dry after bathing or exercising, you must also be careful and avoid sharing items when people around you are exposed to water fleas. Talk to your doctor if you still have questions about water fleas.
