Athlete’s Foot

Athletes foot is also called tinea pedis and is a fungal infection of the feet and toes. It is given this name because it is often seen in athletes. It doesn’t discriminate, however, and is very common and often tough to cure. Tinea pedis is contagious and is spread by contact with the fungi in damp areas. The common symptoms are scaling, fissuring, itching, peeling, flaking, redness and odor. It can also be accompanied by tinea unguium, which is an athlete’s foot or fungal infection of the toenails thought to be a reservoir for this infection.

Athlete’s foot is most frequently caused by one of two fungal strains, Trichnophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. T. Rubrum is a dermatophytic fungus that colonizes the upper layers of dead skin, and is the most common cause of athlete’s foot, fungal infection of nails, jock itch, and ringworm. Trichophyton mentagrophytes usually causes vesicular (blisterlike) infections.

Some common places where fungus can be transmitted are nail salons, hotels, public showers, pools, locker rooms and gyms. Family members who live together can also pass it on from sharing bathrooms, shower, and carpets. It is very important that everyone be treated and maintain proper hygiene. It is recommended to wear protective foot gear when in public places. Walking barefoot may increase the chance of contracting athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot thrives in moist, dark, warm environments like shoes. People with hyperhydrosis, or who sweat a lot are also more prone to this infection. It is recommended that feet be washed daily, to use powder to absorb sweat, that old shoes be replaced, and to wear socks but also change them daily. Alternating shoes throughout the week to allow for air drying can also help to reduce the chance of developing an infection. Some other tips include drying well in between toes after bathing and not sharing shoes, socks and toenail/foot care tools.

Like with many other conditions, treatment is easiest and most effective when started early. When left untreated skin fissures and blisters caused by athlete’s foot can create openings, or portals of entry for severe bacterial infections. In patients with diabetes or poor circulation, these bacterial infections can lead to cellulitis, sepsis, abscess and bone infections called osteomyelitis, which can be limb and life threatening. Athlete’s foot infections can be treated but the recurrence rate is high after rexposure to the fungus.

There are medicated over the counter and prescription sprays and creams which are effective in treating early stages and mild to moderate athlete’s foot infections. Treatment with topical medications usually involves about 2 months of daily application. In severe cases oral antifungal medication may be prescribed. Other infections of skin and toenails should be treated simultaneously.