Tinea Pedis
What is Tinea Pedis (AKA. Athletes Foot)?
- Foot infection effecting the skin due to a dermatophyte fungus. (Meaning fungus growing on the skin)
- The most common area to grow a skin fungus is inter-digitally (between the toes).
What are the common symptoms of Tinea Pedis?
- White soggy skin between the toes
- Itching and soreness on the soles and between the toes
- Blisters on the feet that itch
- Cracking, splitting and peeling of the skin on the feet or in the toe web spaces.
- Drying and scaling of skin
- Red raw skin on the feet
- Burning feet
What makes you likely to get Tinea Pedis?
Fugus thrives in warm and moist environments. Common areas that fungi can be found are in showers and public bathrooms.
Other causes that are more hygienically related are:
- Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
- Letting feet stay wet/moist without aeration
- Excessive wearing of occlusive footwear, with limited airing out
- Underlying immunodeficiency or diabetes mellitus
- Systemic corticosteroids or immune suppressive medications
- Poor peripheral circulation or lymphoedema.
How can Tinea Pedis be treated?
Most Tinea infections respond well to antifungal creams and can be bought from most chemist. Some infections can be more stubborn and may require the use of an antifungal medication in the form of a tablet. This is determined on severity and can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Some examples include:
- Topical antifungals: Creams or sprays applied on the infected area to clear the infection.
- Systemic antifungals: Doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications.
- Antibiotics: May be prescribed if a bacterial infection develops due to blisters bursting.
- Topical steroids: Prescribed to prevent/control inflammation.
How can you prevent recurrence of Tinea Pedis?
Overheating and perspiration (sweating) contribute to tinea infections, but some suggestions to avoid infection include:
- After washing, dry the skin thoroughly, particularly between the toes and within skin folds.
- Expose the skin to the air as much as possible to dry out any excess moisture.
- Wear socks made from a natural fiber i.e., Cotton, bamboo, wool etc.
- Wear thongs to swimming pools, lover rooms, gyms and other communal areas.
Preventing the spread of infection
It is important to remember that tinea is contagious. Suggestions on how to prevent the spread to others include:
- Treat tinea infections with the appropriate cream or medication.
- Wash your hands after touching infected areas.
- Do not share towels.
- Do not walk around barefoot if you have tinea pedis (of the feet).
- Clean the shower, bath and bathroom floor after use.
