ATHLETE'S FOOT

 

What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection usually found between the toes or on the sole of the foot. The skin often becomes itchy which can cause real discomfort. 

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Athlete’s foot can cause the skin to flake, peel and split. As the skin is itchy you are more likely to scratch which can cause further skin damage and spread the infection. In severe cases a secondary bacterial infection if the skin is broken.

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Its medical name is Tinea Pedis.  It is referred to as athlete’s foot as it associated with warm, moist skin and can be picked up from communal area like swimming pools and changing rooms, but you don’t have to be an athlete to catch it!

What causes it?
Fungal infections thrive in dark, warm and moist environments. Inside the sock/shoe is the perfect place for an infection to develop. 

Athlete’s foot can be spread by direct contact or by touching a surface that has been in contact with the infected area. It can also develop from the normal microbial presence on the skin, if the conditions are right.

Gyms and changing rooms are often cited as places for the infection to spread due to the warm moist environment.

 

Athlete’s foot usually starts in the skin between the toes, especially the smaller ones, and may spread to the surrounding skin.
The skin may appear:

•  Soft and moist, or “soggy”

•  White and/or red  Cracked, split or peeling

•  Bleeding may be evident

•  Small blisters may be seen

•  Itching is often experienced

   
It can also be found on the sole and sides of the feet in a “moccasin” presentation. In this case you are more likely to notice:

•  Redness of the area

•  Dry skin

•  Small blisters

•  Itching

It is also possible for the infection to appear in small isolated patches.

 

What will happen if I leave it untreated?
Athlete’s foot can spread to the surrounding skin and the nails if left untreated... a fungal nail infection can be unsightly, may become painful  if the nails become thickened or misshapen and the more established it is, the harder it is to eradicate.

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What can help?
•    Wash your feet every day, and dry them thoroughly paying particular attention to the area between the toes. If the skin between the toes is very moist, wipe it with surgical spirit after drying.
•    If the soles of your feet are affected (dry/cracked/flaky) apply a moisturising cream daily.
•    Wearing cotton/bamboo socks and non-synthetic shoes that allow your feet to breathe can prevent an infection developing. In addition it is always recommended that you wear fresh socks/ hosiery every day.
•    Do not wear the same pair of shoes continuously – try and vary them to allow each pair time to dry out.
•    If you do have an infection it is important not to share towels and socks with others. Towels and socks should be washed regularly to get rid of any fungal residue. Wearing flip flops in the gym or changing room can also halt the spread of infection.

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What are the treatment options?

There are many off the shelf treatments for Athlete’s foot. It is advisable to read the instructions very carefully before beginning treatment. You may need to continue with treatment even if your symptoms have subsided.

Products containing 1% terbinifine hydrochloride are often very effective.

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If the infection is between your toes, use a spray or powder. If it affects the skin elsewhere on your foot, a cream may be better.

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It is also very important to wash socks, hosiery, bed sheets and towels on a hot wash on the day of treatment to reduce the chance of re-infection. 

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As with all conditions of the foot, it is advisable to seek advice from a Podiatrist if the symptoms persist or are particularly uncomfortable.