Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot that can cause burning and itching, and may lead to cracks in the skin, scaling of the skin, or blisters. It is most commonly caused by the fungus trychophyton rubrum, a ubiquitous species that thrives in warm, moist environments. This can often include a shoe, pool decks, and locker rooms.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot are a burning sensation and
itching on the bottom of the foot or in-between the toes. The skin may become red and inflamed. Blisters can form on an area that is affected,
and these blisters may ooze a clear liquid.
Most commonly, tinea pedis is treated with anti-fungal
topical creams that are applied to the feet.
These creams may or may not contain a mild steroid that can help reduce
the inflammation associated with the
fungal infection. However, the steroid may not always be
necessary, as the anti-fungal cream combats the fungus, which in turn will
reduce inflammation.
The greatest form of treatment for athlete’s foot is through
prevention. Since the organism that
causes the infection is so common in moist and wet environments, using proper
socks is key. Socks should be made of
cotton or of a moisture-wicking fabric, and a clean pair should be worn
daily. In fact, changing socks through
the day can help keep feet dry, particularly for people whose feet have a
tendency to sweat a lot.
Feet should be washed daily with soap and water, from the
heel to the toes and in-between the toes as well. Use of a soap that contains tea tree oil, a
natural anti-fungal, can help prevent fungal infection. Be sure to dry the feet thoroughly before
putting socks and shoes back on.
Shoes may be sterilized with a variety of shoe sprays. Many people will simply use Lysol to
accomplish this. Devices that use
ultraviolet light to sterilize the shoes are also on the market, though they
are relatively expensive.
Wearing sandals or shower shoes on pool decks (particularly
indoor pools) and in locker rooms can help prevent transmission of the
fungus. These areas are commonly cited
as the source of fungal infections.
If left untreated, athlete’s foot will continue to be a
chronic problem, and can lead to excessive cracking or flaking of the skin. This may create a portal for bacterial
infection, as the protective skin layers can be partially or completely
lost. The fungal infection may also
enter underneath the nail plate, causing a fungal infection of the
toenail. Toenail infections are notoriously
difficult to cure.
A foot and ankle specialist will be able to go through some
of the treatment options with you if you are experiencing pain in your feet due
to fungal infections, or any other condition of the foot and ankle.
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
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