|
|
Athlete's foot
A fungal infection of
the foot that produces cracked, sore, itchy skin between the toes
Most common in teenagers and
young adults.
|
 Athlete's
foot, also called tinea pedis, is a common, persistent fungal infection of
the feet that particularly affects the skin between the toes. The
condition can be caused by several types of
fungi that
thrive in warm, humid conditions. A foot inside a shoe is the perfect place for
the fungus.
 What
are the Causes?
|
Athlete's foot often affects teenagers and young adults, who tend to sweat more
and wear enclosed
footwear, such as trainers, for long periods. It is rare in children.
Athlete's foot can be picked up by walking barefoot in communal areas that are
warm and humid, such as changing rooms and poolside.
Sweaty feet, tight
shoes/socks, not drying one’s feet well after
swimming, bathing, or exercising all
contribute to the development of athlete’s foot.
What
are the Symptoms?
|
Athlete's foot most commonly occurs between the fourth and fifth toes and
produces the following symptoms:
-
Cracked, sore, and itchy areas
of skin.
-
Flaking, white, soggy skin.
-
In some people the skin
becomes very sore and even bleeds a little.
-
Athletes foot may also
produce itching and burning of the feet.
Some times, the infection spreads
on to the sole or the sides of the foot or affects the toenails, which then
become yellowish, thickened, and brittle.Toenail infections cause scaling,
crumbling, thickening, and even partial loss of the nails. These changes can
also result from other conditions such as psoriasis, injury, and aging.
Untreated, athlete’s foot can result in blisters and cracks that may lead to
secondary bacterial infections.
People who have athlete's foot are
more susceptible to ringworm of the groin, another fungal infection. Those with
acute tinea infections may develop similar outbreaks on their hands, typically
on the palms. This trichophyde reaction, also known as tineas manuum, is an
immune system response to fungal antigens (antibodies that fight the fungal
infection).
|
|
|
Diagnosis
|
 Diagnosis is made
by visual observation of the symptoms. The podiatrist eliminates the possibility
of a bacterial infection by performing a microscopic examination of skin
scrapings to determine the type of fungus causing the infection. Other tests
include growing a fungal culture from skin scrapings and examining the patient's
foot under an ultraviolet light.
|
Treatment Options
|
The affected area can be treated using an over-the-counter
antifungal preparation
available in form of creams, powders, and sprays, which should be applied at
least twice a day .It is important that you continue to apply the
preparation to affected areas for a few days after the symptoms have cleared up
to make sure that the infection is eradicated.
If over - the - counter
preparations do not help or you are unsure of the diagnosis, consult
 your doctor, who
can give you further advice about treatment or prescribe a antifungal drug.
The most effective chemical treatments these days are the imidazoles, eg
miconazole and clotrimazole. If the infection becomes systemic, stronger
antifungal medication may be prescribed. These drugs include griseofulvin (Fulvicin®
and Grisactin®) and concentrated forms of terbinafine and itraconazole.
Griseofulvin can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and numbness, so
it is used as a last resort.
If the infection is bacterial, a
course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
|
Prevention
|
To prevent the infection from recurring, you should
-
wash your feet at least once a
day, more frequently if they become sweaty, and
-
Dry them thoroughly between the
toes.
-
 Avoid tight
footwear, especially in the summer. Sandals and “flip-flops” are the best warm
weather footwear.
-
Wear cotton or synthetic running
socks which absorb sweat and change the socks daily or more frequently if they
become damp.
-
Dust an antifungal powder on
your feet and into your shoes.
At home, it may help to wear open
- toed shoes or go barefoot.
|
|
|
|
Related Links
|
|
|
|
|
