Acute Vesicular Athlete's Foot

The fungus which causes athlete's foot can often cause what is known as an acute vesicular athlete's foot infection. This is characterised by the almost immediate development of blisters and sores on the foot without much or any forewarning. A person may be completely unaware they had athlete's foot at all until these symptoms develop. This is in fact an allergic reaction to the fungi which rather than stay on the surface of the skin, has somehow wound up underneath the skin, and as our antibodies attack the infection, blisters develop as a side effect. The blisters can also appear on other parts of the body such as the chest, arms, hands and elsewhere.

Although these symptoms of athlete's foot can usually be treat with pharmacy purchased topical medication and generally responds well to treatment, the risk of acute vesicular athlete's foot is secondary infection. Because blisters can burst and weep, this can leave us open to contracting other bacteria infections which can make matters worse. If a secondary infection occurs, usually the only option is to go to doctors and be prescribed a strong medication to help you clear up the athlete's foot and secondary infections.

Generally, acute vesicular athlete's foot can be treated by purchasing athlete's foot anti-fungal cream, sprays or ointments from a pharmacist and applying as instructed on the packet. As we've said already, the main concern of vesicular athlete's foot is secondary infection, therefore the sooner the blisters dry out - thus, preventing them from bursting exposing raw flesh - the sooner the treatment will have an effect. Some people tend to treat their vesicular athletes foot in two stages. The first stage is by using a preliminary anti-fungal agent on their feet for a few days which helps dry the feet out such as Burows solution, and once the blisters have dried and flattened, commence with the real athlete's foot medication.