Athlete’s Foot
Fast Facts
- Athlete’s foot (formally known as tinea pedis), is a fungal infection, that grows and multiplies in the top layers of dead skin cells on the feet.
- Athlete’s foot is caused by the proliferation of dermatophyte fungi Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum in the top layers of dead skin.
- It is contagious and may be caused by walking barefoot in the locker room or public showers.
- Athlete’s foot can be effectively treated with topical antifungal creams that help relieve symptoms of burning and itching
- You can avoid getting athlete’s foot by doing the following:
- Do not walk barefoot in public spaces such as gyms, shower areas, and hotel rooms.
- Wear shower sandal when walking in public areas such as locker rooms and pools.
- Avoid tight footwear, especially in the summer.
- Do not wear anyone else’s shoes.
- Wash feet daily with soap and dry thoroughly.
- When wearing enclosed shoes, wear cotton or synthetic sweat socks to absorb perspiration.
- Sprinkle an anti-fungal powder on feet and in shoes.
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection, that grows and multiplies in the top layers of dead skin cells on the feet. It grows best in a dark, moist and warm environment. A foot inside a shoe is the perfect place for the fungus. The same fungus may also cause “jock itch” in the groin.
Athlete’s foot is caused by the proliferation of dermatophyte fungi Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum in the top layers of dead skin.
Athletes foot is contagious and may be caused by walking barefoot in the locker room or public showers. However, it is not known exactly who is at risk for getting athlete’s foot. Sweaty feet, tight shoes or socks, not drying ones fit well after swimming, bathing, or exercising or contribute to the development of athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot may not always have the same appearance. In some people, the skin between the toes (especially the last two toes) peels, cracks, and scales. There may be redness, scaling, and even peeling on the soles along the sides of the feet. Athlete’s foot may also produce itching and burning.
Athlete’s foot can easily be diagnosed upon clinical examination. However, in the office setting a scrapping of the scale can be examined under the microscope to reveal the fungal elements (hyphae and spores) or they can be place in a test tube and cultured.
Athlete’s foot can be effectively treated with topical antifungal creams that help relieve symptoms of burning and itching. In more severe cases, or if your infection is resistant usual treatment, oral antifungal agents may be prescribed.
- Do not walk barefoot in public spaces such as gyms, shower areas, and hotel rooms.
- Wear shower sandal when walking in public areas such as locker rooms and pools.
- Avoid tight footwear, especially in the summer.
- Do not wear anyone else’s shoes.
- Wash feet daily with soap and dry thoroughly.
- When wearing enclosed shoes, wear cotton pr synthetic sweat socks to absorb perspiration.
- Sprinkle an anti-fungal powder on feet and in shoes.
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