DEFINITION
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection in the foot. It usually occurs between the toes and/or soles and/or sides of the feet. It occurs in people who wear their shoes for along time and their feet become sweaty.
The patient complains of red, dry, flaking skin which is sometimes accompanied by pain or itching.
It can also present with itching or ‘weeping’ blisters.
Athletes’s Foot is contagious and can spread via floors, towels, socks or shoes.
CAUSE
The most common places where a person can get Athlete’s Foot are showers, swimming pool lockers, changing rooms and gyms. These are all warm damp places where the fungus can live.
This condition gets its name from athletes as they are more prone to get this infection as they spend a lot of their time in changing rooms, gyms or swimming pools making them at higher risk to get this fungal infection.
When the spores of the fungus get in contact with the feet, they can enter fissures or sores on the foot and remain there to spread, unless the feet are carefully washed and thoroughly dried after exposure to the fungus.
Athlete’s Foot can spread from the toes to the toenails.
It can also be carried through the fingers (if the patient scratches the infection) to other parts of the body like groin or underarms.
Diabetics or Immunocompromised patients should take special care if they get Athlete’s Foot as it can lead to serious complications.
TREATMENT
Daily washing of the feet with soap and water followed by thorough drying, especially between the toes helps in preventing Athlete’s Foot.
Wearing dry, wide, airy shoes and socks, not borrowing footwear from others, avoiding tight shoes and using foot powder all help to keep the feet dry and avoid this fungal infection.
When using public showers or pool areas it is a good idea to wear protective slippers.
If an infection has occurred, it is important to see a doctor as if left untreated, fungal infections can become difficult to treat.
Treatment includes antifungal medications, either topical or oral, and proper foot hygiene.