CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS

ATHLETE'S FOOT (TINEA PEDIS)

Athlete's foot (or tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by fungus. Fungus is an opportunistic organism that grows best in warm, dark, moist environments. In essence, a fungus is a cross between a plant and an animal, existing as a microscopic organism in the form of yeasts, molds, and other structures. The foot is well suited for this organism's growth, as it is often encased inside a shoe, where there is warmth, little light, and a nice moist skin surface upon which to thrive. All it takes is simple contact with the skin to start an infection. Fungus will spread from one person to another, usually in wet environments like school showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms. It can be spread amongst family members, and affects all ages and activity levels.


Athlete's foot infection symptoms can vary. The fungus may cause dry, cracked, itchy skin, as well as blisters and wet, sore areas in between the toes. Usually, the skin on the bottom of the foot in a moccasin-like pattern is infected, with additional or separate involvement of the skin in between the toes. In advanced cases, burning pain may also be felt. Sometimes, the infection causes no itching or burning, but simply peeling and loosening of the skin. The skin infection can eventually spread to the nails, although nail infections can be seen without skin infections as well. Generally, the infection is limited to the foot, but if untreated it may persist for years. Certain types of fungus infections can appear onto the top of the foot or ankle, but these are usually a slightly different fungal infection commonly referred to as 'ring worm', and not Athlete's foot. Bacteria may eventually co-infect the skin along side fungus, causing more serious problems that need individual attention and treatment.

 

Preventative treatment consists of careful drying of the feet after bathing. Specific attention needs to be given to the areas in between the toes, ensuring they are properly dry. If one has overly sweaty feet, socks should be changed more frequently than normal. Shoes may be sprayed with an aerosol disinfectant or anti-fungal, and showers and tubs should be cleaned regularly to destroy fungus remaining in skin tissue shed during a shower or bath. Treatment of active skin infections is very effective and consists of topical anti-fungal lotions or creams, oral anti-fungal medications, or a combination of both. Most infections take between 2-4 weeks to resolve. Over-the-counter anti-fungal preparations may not be strong enough to treat this infection, although some are better than others. Reoccurring Athlete's foot infections need prescription medication, and a period of weekly preventative dosing may be needed once an active infection is eradicated, to prevent regrowth of fungus. If there is a bacterial infection as well, this needs to be treated promptly. Unlike fungus, which tends to remain only in the foot, bacteria can spread up the leg and cause more serious skin disease.