Athlete's Foot

Also known as tinea pedis, athlete's foot is a common skin condition of the feet. It is caused by a microscopic group of parasitic fungal organisms known as dermatophytes (which means plants that live on the skin). The fungus feeds on old cells on the skin. Different areas of the body can be affected by fungal infections, including;

Tinea corporis - Ringworm of the body in general.

Tinea capitis - Ringworm of the scalp. This is most often seen in children.

Tinea cruris -(also known as Jock Itch) – Ringworm of the groin.

Tinea barbae - Ringworm of the bearded area of the face & neck.

Tinea faciei - Ringworm of the face (excluding the bearded areas).

Tinea manus - Ringworm of the palms & fingers. 

Tinea pedis  - (also known as Athletes Foot) - Fungus of the foot.

Tinea unguium (onychomycosis) - Fungus of the nails.

Despite the name, anybody can become infected with athlete's foot although it is most common in men & teenagers.

Transmission of athlete's foot:

Almost everybody has the fungus some people are more prone to developing symptoms of athlete's foot than others. The fungus thrives in damp, warm places and infection occurs when people come into contact with the fungus. It is common in areas where people walk barefoot such  such as bathrooms, locker room floors, around swimming pools. Transmission is also possible via shared towels, shoes etc.

Athlete's foot symptoms:

There are three types of athlete's foot:

Chronic interdigital athlete's foot:

This is the most common type & symptoms include;

• Red, itching, scaling & flaking of the skin. This is common between the toes, especially between the fourth & fifth toes.

• Over time, the skin may become sore.

Chronic scaly athlete's foot (moccasin type):

• Silvery, fine scaling & thickening of the skin along the entire sole of the foot. The toenails often become infected with this type of athlete's foot too.

Acute vesicular athlete's foot:

The least common form of athlete's foot. It usually starts in people who have Chronic interdigital athlete's foot. Symptoms include;

• Sudden onset of painful vesicles (fluid filled blisters) that appear under the skin on the foot.  The blisters are caused by an allergic reaction to the fungus.

• Infection often spreads to other parts of the body including the arms, fingers & chest.

• Secondary infection may occur in conjunction with acute vesicular athlete's foot.

Diagnosis of athlete's foot:

Diagnosis of athlete's foot is usually based upon presenting symptoms. They may decide to take a swab, skin scraping or skin culture to confirm diagnosis.

Athletes foot treatment:

Treatment of athlete's foot is usually fairly straightforward & includes;

• Topical fungicides. These are applied to the affected area. In most cases, the fungus will clear up in 2-4 weeks.

• If topical fungicides don't clear the infection after 4 weeks, see a doctor who may need to prescribe a stronger oral medication to treat the infection.

• Antibiotics may be necessary to treat secondary bacterial infections.

• Keep the feet dry, paying attention to between the toes. Go without shoes whenever possible.

• Spray shower with disinfectant after use.

• Wash & dry your feet at least once a day. Dry well, paying attention to between the toes. During infection, use a separate towel to dry infected areas to avoid spreading the fungus to other parts of the body.

• Change your socks daily. Wear natural products such as cotton which allow your feet to breathe more.

• Give your feet plenty of airing time.

• Keep bathroom floors clean & disinfect daily if there is an outbreak.

• Frequently wash bed sheets in hot water.

Avoiding re-infection/preventing athlete's foot:

• Wear flip flops/thongs around swimming pools, changing rooms etc.

• Don't share personal items such as towels or footwear.

• Wash & dry your feet. Dry well, paying attention to between the toes.

• Change your socks daily. Wear natural products such as cotton which allow your feet to breathe more.

• Give your feet plenty of airing time.

• Keep bathroom floors clean & disinfect daily if there is an outbreak.

Also see:

Athlete's Foot, Black Toenail, Bunions, Chilblains, Corns, Cracked Heels, Foot Care, Hammer Toe, Ingrown Toenails, Onychomycosis, Plantar Warts, Smelly Feet