Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that usually affects the skin of the feet but in some cases, can spread to hands and toenails as well. Though contagious, this condition is not serious normally and can be treated easily. However, in patients with weak immunity and diabetes, it can become a matter of concern.

Causes of Tinea Pedis

The condition is known as athlete’s foot because it is common in athletes. It occurs when a person catches the fungus through contaminated surfaces or an infected person. Commonly found around swimming pools, on locker room floors, and in showers, the fungus thrives in moist and warm environments.

Risk Factors

Since tinea pedis is a fungal infection, it can affect anyone irrespective of their age, lifestyle, or health status. However, some certain factors and behaviours may increase a person’s chances of developing the condition. These are:

• Having sweaty feet
• Wearing tight, non-airy footwear
• Wearing used or unwashed socks
• Keeping one’s feet moist or wet for long
• Sharing towels, shoes or socks with an infected person
• Walking in public places like swimming pools, showers, locker rooms etc. barefoot
• Having a minor toenail or skin injury on feet

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary from person to person depending upon the level of infection and spread of the fungus. Some common symptoms are:

• Itchy blisters on feet
• Burning, stinging and itching on the feet soles or between the toes
• Dry and/or raw skin on the feet
• Cracking and peeling of skin
• Thick, crumbly and discoloured toenails

Treatment

In most of the cases, doctors prescribe over-the-counter topical antifungal creams and ointments to treat this skin infection. They may also suggest some home remedies to take further care of the condition like cleaning and washing the affected area, soaking feet in saltwater, and wearing airy footwear. In case the condition does not improve, your doctor may also prescribe oral medications in addition to the topical ones.

Complications

Though an athlete’s foot is a non-serious and easy-to-treat condition in most cases, it may lead to complications as well. Mild complications include recurrence of the infection, allergic reaction to the fungus and blistering on the hands or feet. Severe complications occur in cases when a secondary bacterial infection develops along with tinea pedis. In this case, one may observe pus in the affected area, fever, swollen feet and pain. This infection may even spread to the patient’s lymph system, worsening the condition further.

Prevention

While everyone should maintain skin hygiene, people who find themselves at a higher risk of developing athlete’s foot should take extra preventive measures.

• Thoroughly washing, cleaning and drying the feet daily, especially between the toes
• Using clean socks, shoes, towels and bedding only, the socks and towels made out of breathable fabrics should be preferred
• Avoid sharing towels, socks and shoes with others
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools, one may wear slippers in such situations
• Using antifungal powder on the feet daily
• Keeping the feet dry and changing socks and shoes if they get sweaty or wet

The Bottom Line

Though an athlete's foot is not a critical ailment, ignoring it may worsen the condition. One must consult a dermatologist at the earliest to get the condition controlled and treated. For any such skin problems or to get a regular health checkup, one may contact HJ Hospitals as we ensure affordable and world-class treatment facilities for the people of the DRC.