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ATHLETE’S FOOT (TINEA PEDIS)
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment, which encourages fungal growth. Although many rashes look the same, they are not all caused by fungus. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic athlete’s foot.
CAUSES OF ATHLETE’S FOOT
- Walking barefoot in public spaces
- Wearing non-moisture wicking socks
- Wearing shoes without socks
- Barefoot walking at gyms and pools
Sharing spaces with someone who has had athlete’s foot
SYMPTOMS
The signs of athlete’s foot, singly or combined, include the following:
- Dry skin
- Itching and burning, which may increase as the infection spreads
- Scaling and cracking
- Inflammation
- Blisters, which often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small, raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling.
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, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete’s foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread through contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.
WHEN YOU SHOULD SEEK CARE WITH US:
Although tinea pedis is very common, it is often poorly treated and sometimes hard to cure. Diagnosis by our doctor is easy and can be done either clinically or via a non-invasive skin test. Prescription topical or oral antifungal therapies can then be prescribed.
TYPES OF TREATMENT WE OFFER:
Our doctor will determine if a fungus is the cause of your problem. In minor cases, tinea pedis can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe oral and/or topical antifungal medications. In either case, keep infected feet dry and clean.
