Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection primarily caused by dermatophytes, microscopic fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments. This condition often arises from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker rooms, pool decks, and areas where moisture accumulates, making it prevalent among athletes. Symptoms include persistent itching or burning, particularly between the toes, along with white peeling skin, a scaly rash, and potential cracks or fissures. If not addressed, the infection can spread to the toenails or other areas of the foot, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
Treatment generally involves maintaining good foot hygiene and utilizing antifungal medications, which are available over-the-counter in various forms. Effective prevention strategies include daily washing and thorough drying of feet, regular changing of socks and shoes, and wearing breathable footwear. During activities in public or communal areas, protective footwear can help minimize exposure to the fungi that cause athlete's foot. Understanding these aspects can aid individuals in preventing and managing this common condition effectively.
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Subject Terms
Athlete's foot
Also known as: Tinea pedis
Anatomy or system affected: Feet, nails, skin
Definition: A microscopic fungal infection that lives on the outer layers of skin, nails, or hair on the feet
Causes and Symptoms
Several different dermatophytes (microscopic fungi) can cause tinea pedis through contact with the skin on the bottom of the foot. Once contact is made, the dermatophytes grow if the environmental conditions are right. These fungi thrive in warm, moist surroundings such as wet shoes and socks or the floors of pool decks, showers, and locker rooms. Since sweat is a common source of moisture for fungal growth, this disorder is often associated with athletes—thus the term “athlete’s foot.” It is commonly believed that athlete’s foot is highly contagious. However, the presence of the fungus on the healthy foot does not necessarily result in the disorder; a warm, moist environment is also required.
The most common symptom of athlete’s foot is constant itching or burning of the skin between the toes, particularly the outside, smaller toes. The skin turns white and begins to peel. A scaly, dry rash develops and frequently progresses to cracks or fissures. A clear fluid may be released. If untreated, the infection may spread to the toenails and other areas of the foot. Also, the person becomes more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections.
Another form of athlete’s foot results in a red, scaly rash that spreads across the bottom and sides of the foot. Because the rash pattern resembles a moccasin, this form is often called “moccasin foot.”
Treatment and Therapy
With good hygiene and the removal of moist, warm environmental conditions, the fungus may die off on its own. If these conditions are not treated, however, the fungus can persevere for years. The best results occur with the use of antifungal drugs. Many types are available over the counter in creams, powders, sprays, or liquids. Imidazole drugs attack the cell walls of the fungus and keep the cells from growing and reproducing. Eventually, the infection will die off. More severe infections are treated with allylamine drugs. These drugs, which must be obtained with a prescription, cause a buildup of toxins that kill the fungi.
The best treatment for athlete’s foot is to prevent it by using good foot hygiene. Feet should be washed daily with soap and water. Wet feet should always be dried thoroughly, especially between the toes. Shoes and socks should be kept dry by regular changing and using foot powder to absorb moisture if needed. Wearing light, airy shoes to reduce perspiration of the feet is also beneficial. When spending time in locker room areas, light footwear such as sandals or flip-flops can provide an appropriate barrier to prevent excess moisture and bacteria growth.
Bibliography
Alexander, Ivy L., ed. Podiatry Sourcebook. 2nd rev. ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2007. Print.
Donowitz, Leigh G., ed. Infection Control in the Child Care Center and Preschool. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2012. Print.
Fink, Brett Ryan, and Mark S. Mizel. The Whole Foot: A Complete Program for Taking Care of Your Feet. New York: Demos Health, 2012. Print.
Hagen, Philip T., and Martha Millman. Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies: What to Do for the Most Common Health Problems. New York: Time Home Entertainment, 2010. Print.
“Hygiene-Related Diseases.” CDC, 6 Feb. 2017, www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/athletes‗foot.html. Accessed 20 July 2023.
Richardson, Malcolm D., and Elizabeth M. Johnson. The Pocket Guide to Fungal Infection. 3rd ed. Malden: Blackwell, 2012. Print.