Tinea pedis, or Athlete’s foot, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. As it is commonly seen in athletes, it is named as such. This fungal infection is a form of ringworm. It can also spread to the toenails and hands. Although it is easily treatable, complications can arise if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
It can affect any part of the feet but it occurs most commonly in the space between the toes. It can affect the tops of your feet as well the soles. It can be a chronic infection and recurs frequently. A dermatologist in Lahore shared some insight on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for this fungal infection. Let’s have a look at those:
Signs And Symptoms
Athlete’s foot is very common. It affects the skin between your toes, the bottoms and tops of feet, the edges, as well as the heels. Your skin may appear cracked or as if it is peeling or scaly. A burning or itching sensation is common. The inflamed skin may become reddish, purplish or grayish. This depends on the original color of your skin. Rashes or blisters may form as well. This may occur on one or both feet.
Causes Of Athlete’s Foot
A type of fungus called the dermatophytes that also cause ringworm and jock itch is the reason for this foot infection. You can catch this fungus by direct contact with someone who already has it or by touching contaminated surfaces.
The fungus thrives in warm, humid conditions. Damp, warm socks and shoes are breeding grounds for this. It is commonly found in showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools. Here it can easily spread through contact and towels, floor, and shoes. If you scratch or pick an infected foot, it can spread to the other one as well. A single flake of infected skin is enough to spread it from one person to another.
Who Is At Risk Of Contracting This?
Anyone can get this infection but some behaviors and habits make you more susceptible. You are at higher risk if you:
- Are fond of wearing enclosed footwear
- Wear tight footwear that does not allow breathing space
- Sweat profusely from the feet
- Keep your feet warm and wet for longer periods of time
- Walk barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, communal showers, saunas and locker rooms.
- Share shoes, towels, mats, bed linen or socks with someone who has the infection.
How To Prevent This Infection?
It is a common understanding that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, these few tips can help you avoid Athlete’s foot.
Adequate foot hygiene: It is important that you keep your feet dry, clean, and cool. Use warm, soapy water to wash your feet and pat dry them afterwards making sure to dry between the toes. A medicated foot powder can prevent any infection if you are prone to getting one.
Changing socks regularly: Using the correct material socks will help keep your feet dry as well as warm. Use breathable material such as wool or cotton instead of nylon. You must change your socks everyday and more frequently if your feet are sweaty.
Alternate shoes: It is better to wear alternate shoes every other day to give the previous pair time to dry out completely after each use.
Be vigilant: You must be aware that you keep your feet covered in public places. You must also not share your socks, shoes, towels, bedding, mats etc with people who already have the disease. Air your feet when you are at home in a clean environment.
Treatment Options
Self-care is just as important as medical intervention. Over-the-counter antifungal ointments and powders are available at drug stores. Other dosage forms such as gels and sprays are now available as well. These may contain antifungal formulations such as clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine etc. oral pills containing fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine may also be prescribed by your doctor. It is important not to miss a dose nor to overdose on this. Complete the full course because if you leave the course mid-treatment, the infection can re-occur and can be more severe than the original infection.
The symptoms such as itching and irritation will go away in the initial stages of treatment. You should know not to stop at that stage and take the full prescribed course. The complete treatment may take from one up to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
You must know that Athlete’s foot does not go away on its own. If left untreated, it can spread to other areas such as your nails, hands and groin.
Final Outlook
Prognosis is good in case Athlete’s foot is diagnosed early on and proper treatment plan is followed. Be sure to be compliant of the treatment protocol and to minimize contact with others so it doesn’t spread. It is important to seek medical help immediately if you feel the infection does not go away after proper treatment or if it continues to spread to other body parts.