ACPM Podiatry Group, Ltd./Athlete's Foot

Athlete's Foot:

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin, usually occurring between the toes of the foot. The fungus most commonly occurs on the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages the growth of fungus. The fungus grows in the warm, damp areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms and is easily transmitted as bare feet walk across these surfaces. This skin condition was named "athlete's foot" because it was common among athletes who used these facilities. Other skin conditions, such disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may show symptoms which are similar to athlete's foot. Other fungal infections exist, and may also show symptoms similar to those of athlete's foot. The symptoms of athlete's foot include the following: drying skin, itching scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads. These symptoms usually begin between the toes of the feet. Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, particularly the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may remain for long periods of time. As a result, the infection may be spread to other body parts by contaminated bed sheets or clothing. Treatment Fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals, used for athlete's foot treatment, frequently fail to contact the fungi in the horny layers of the skin. Topical or oral antifungal drugs are prescribed with growing frequency. In mild cases of the infection it is important to keep the feet dry by dusting foot powder in shoes and hose. The feet should be bathed frequently and all areas around the toes dried thoroughly. If an apparent fungus condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and self care suggestions above within within two weeks, consult your podiatrist. The podiatrist will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, will usually be suggested. Such a treatment appears to provide better resolution of the problem, when the patient observes the course of treatment prescribed by the podiatrist. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics, such as penicillin, that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria may be prescribed. Prevention It is not easy to prevent athlete's foot because it is usually contracted in dressing rooms, showers, and swimming pool locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. However, you can do much to prevent infection by practicing good foot hygiene. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water; drying carefully, especially between the toes; and changing shoes and hose regularly to decrease moisture, help prevent the fungus from infecting the feet. Also helpful is daily use of a quality foot powder. Tips to Prevent Athlete's Foot Avoid walking barefoot around swimming pool locker rooms, dressing rooms, showers; use shower shoes. Reduce foot perspiration by using talcum powder. Wear light and airy shoes. Wear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily.
Source:	American Podiatric Medical Association