Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis or foot ringworm, is a common fungal infection of the feet. It is estimated that 70% of people experience athlete’s foot at some time in their lives. In the vast majority of individuals, suffering from Athlete’s foot, it is usually mild and can be easily treated using antifungal medication. In some cases it can be very difficult to treat and complications can develop.
What causes athlete’s foot?
This foot disorder is often caused by the Dermatophyte fungi, Trichophyton rubrum. There are other fungi which may also cause athlete’s foot. Dermatophyte fungi feed on keratin by invading the superficial skin layer and releasing keratinases. These organisms thrive in moist, warm areas making between the toes a common area of infection, although infection can spread to the entire foot.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot may have no symptoms at all or only a mild cracked, flaking or peeling skin. More severe symptoms include: redness, itching, burning, stinging, raw open wounds, discharge from open cracks, crusting and blistering.
How do you get athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is contagious and spreads very easily. It can be passed from person to person through contaminated towels, clothing and surfaces.
The fungi can survive and multiply in warm and humid places such as swimming pools, showers and changing rooms.
Anyone can get athlete’s foot, but you are at greater risk if you are:
• Are a man
• Frequently wear damp socks or tight-fitting shoes
• Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection
• Walk barefoot in public areas – where the infection can spread – such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths and showers
• Have a weakened immune system.
Treatment
Most cases of athlete’s foot are mild and can be treated at home using self-care techniques and antifungal medication. With effective treatment, athlete’s foot usually lasts only for a few days or weeks. Antifungal medication clears the fungi that cause the infection. It is available as:
• creams
• sprays
• liquids
• powders
• tablets
When to see your doctor
If you have a rash on your foot that does not improve within a few weeks after self-treatment, see your doctor. Seek medical advice sooner if you have diabetes and suspect you have athlete’s foot – or if you notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever.
Diagnosis
In most cases, your doctor may be able to diagnose athlete’s foot by simply looking at it. To help confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other conditions, your doctor might:
• Take skin scrapings or samples from the infected area and view them under a microscope
• View your feet under black light from a Wood’s light
• Send a small sample of your skin to a lab to be tested
Complications of athlete’s foot
If athlete’s foot is not treated, the infection may spread to your toenails, causing a fungal nail infection, or to other areas of your body such as the palms of your hands and groin. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot usually grow only on the surface of the skin. However, if your skin is cracked, other germs can enter it leading to a more serious bacterial infection.
How can you prevent athlete’s foot?
It is not always possible to prevent athlete’s foot. However, good foot-hygiene can reduce your risk of developing the condition.
You can help prevent developing athlete’s foot by doing the following:
• Wash your feet regularly using a mild soap and water.
• After washing your feet, dry them thoroughly, paying particular attention to the areas between your toes.
• Wear clean cotton socks.
• Change your socks and shoes regularly to help keep your feet dry, particularly after exercising.
• Alternate footwear so they can dry thoroughly after use.
• Do not share towels, and wash your towels regularly.
• Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber.
• Do not share shoes. Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.
Conclusion
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It occurs most commonly in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but if the infection often recurs, or is difficult to treat, see your doctor as prescription medications also are available for successful treatment.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
