_.png)
_.png)
_(1)_1.png)
_1.png)
_1.png)
_(1)_1.png)
Athelet’s Foot
Overview
Athelet’s foot also known as tinea pedis is a type of fungal infection of the feet. It can also be considered a type of ringworm. The plantar surface of the sole of the foot and web spaces between toes are the most commonly affected skin area. It has been estimated that about 70% of the population would be affected by fungal infections at some point in their lives. Some populations might be more affected than others. For instance, those individuals whose feet are more exposed to warmth are more susceptible to this infection as compared to those whose feet are not exposed to warmth. This infection can easily be picked up from moist communal environments like locker rooms and public showers. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and immune system disorder are the factors that can predispose certain populations to this infection. This infection is usually not found among individuals prior to puberty but is commonly seen among males as compared to females.
Consulting Doctor
Dermatologist or General practitioner.
Symptoms
Scaled skin that is peeled or cracked that is present in between toes.
-Feeling itchy immediately after removing shoes or socks.
-Inflammation of the skin and appearance of skin as red, purple, or grey in inflamed region. The color of the inflamed region depends on your skin color.
-Stinging or burning sensation of the affected area.
-Formation of blisters due to inflammation.
-Scaled and dry skin at the bottom of the foot that would extend upside.
-Appearance of raw skin on foot.
-Thick toenail that is crumbed up and often appears discolored.
-Toes nails that get pulled away from the nail bed.
-White-appearing toes that can get sogged.
-Leakage of fluid with bad odor and appear red from the foot ulcers.
Causes
-It is caused by the type of fungi (dermatophyte) that is responsible for causing ringworms and itchy jock.
-Damp socks and shoes as well as warm and moist temperature/ weather conditions that favor the growth of fungus.
-Scratching or picking an infected part of the foot.
-Another common cause of an athlete’s foot is the transmission of this infection. Its mode of transmission includes:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact of an uninfected person to an infected person’s area of the athlete's foot.
- Indirect contact with a fungus can spread infection through contaminated surfaces as well as clothes, shoes and socks, towels, and bed sheets.
-Frequently wearing enclosed shoes.
-Heavy sweating.
-Sharing mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes, and shoes with someone who has an athlete’s foot diagnosis.
-Walking in public without foot ware (barefoot) mostly in locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths, and showers.
Prevention:
Prevention
It is advisable to wash your feet atleast twice a day with soap and water. One should always keep the area between toes as clean as possible.
-One should always keep feet dry by applying talcum powder on the feet. A variety of talcum powders are available online that can be used. One should always try to walk around bare feet at home if possible.
-Remove shoes after exercise or walking as soon as possible to avoid sweating.
-One should always try to wear loose-fitting shows that are well-ventilated especially when the weather is warm. If possible one should wear leather or canvas shoes since these are the best shoes material.
-One should check if the feet are well-dried before wearing, socks, stocking, or tights.
Socks are available in the market that is made of materials like cotton, wool, or silk which draw moisture away from the feet should be used.
-While using public swimming and communal changing rooms (shower areas), one should always wear pool slippers while walking. All sizes of pool slippers are available online that can be used.
-Shoes should be changed frequently to keep feet dry as much as possible. One should always allow enough time for shoes to dry out before using them.
-One should refrain from sharing foot wears as much as possible.
-Bed sheets and other sheets as well as towels should be washed regularly.
-One should always look out if their pet is suffering from hair loss as this can be a sign of athlete's foot and should be consulted to vet as soon as possible. Athlete foot infection is transmissible from pets to humans.
–Teachers should be made aware of any student’s athlete foot diagnosis so that preventive measures to not spread to others are taken while attending physical education class. Children should avoid walking barefoot at school.
Tests Required for Diagnosis
There are three ways to confirm the diagnosis of an athlete's foot. These include the following:
- Fungal culture or skin lesion culture.
- Skin lesion KOH or potassium hydroxide examination.
- Skin lesion biopsy.
Useful info
-This disease is common among HIV patients. It has been found that about 20 to 35 % of HIV patients have an infection of tinea pedis. Also, palms and soles may also be involved in this infection. Athelet’s foot is often diagnosed in individuals without HIV but people with HIV infection are more prone to get infection of fungus causing athlete’s foot.
-This disease is not considered an emergency or critical. Although, it is fairly difficult to cure Athelet’s foot especially those patients who are diabetic or are immune compromised.
-As the name suggests, athlete's foot is found among athletes, although anyone can get infected from the fungus causing athlete’s foot.
-It can be usually diagnosed by a health care provider by physical exam. Although, more tests might be performed in order to confirm the diagnosis.
-It can spread to other parts of the body.
-Several over counter medications can treat athlete’s foot.
References
- Weibel, J. (2023, January 1). Athlete’s foot pathology. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/science/athletes-foot
- Festa, A. (2023, March 6). When to See a Doctor for Athlete's Foot. Healthgrades. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/skin-hair-and-nails/when-to-see-a-doctor-for-athletes-foot
- Festa, A. (n.d.). Athlete's foot. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
- Cobb, C. (2023, April 17). Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis). Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/athletes-foot
- Newman , T. (2017, February 27). Everything you need to know about athlete's foot. Medcialnewstoday. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/261244#athletes_foot_diagnosis
- Newman , T. (2023, January 1). Athlete's foot. Mayoclinic. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
- Mandal, A. (2023, April 28). Diagnosis of Athlete’s foot. News-Medical.net. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Diagnosis-of-Athletes-foot.aspx
- Krishna, B. (2023, January 1). Athlete’s Foot - Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Iclinic. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.icliniq.com/articles/skin-care/athletes-foot
- Krishna, B. (2016, July 17). 4 Must-Know Facts About Athlete's Foot. Contemparyclinic. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.contemporaryclinic.com/view/4-must-know-facts-about-athletes-foot
