Athlete’s foot, known medically as Tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the feet caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Tinea refers to fungus and pedis refers to feet. These fungi survive only on dead skin such as hair, nails or the top layer of skin. They do not infect mucous membranes such as the mouth, urethra or anus. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot are capable of surviving on surfaces such as the floors of communal bathrooms, bedrooms or locker rooms. As a result, athlete’s foot may be transmitted from person to person.
Who is likely to develop athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is more common in adolescent males than adolescent females. Some individuals are also immunologically predisposed to infection with the dermatophytes. While some family members may be susceptible to athlete’s foot, others are not. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in dark, moist and warm regions of the body. Individuals who wear tight fitting shoes that compress the toes causing a moist and warm environment in the webs of the toes are at increased risk of developing athlete’s foot. Infrequent showering or bathing, use of poorly ventilating socks or shoes are other risk factors that may predispose an individual to this type of fungal infection. Males who have jock itch are more likely to have athlete’s foot. Although athlete’s foot is not limited to those individuals who engage in sports, in fact since these adolescents may have more risk factors, the prevalence of athlete’s foot may be higher in this active group. Also, teens that are overweight may have increased risk as well as those who have diabetes. When the weather is warm and humid, individuals may also be at increased risk to develop athlete’s foot.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
The rash of athlete’s foot is red, scaly and itchy. Typically it appears between the toes and especially between the fourth and the fifth toes. The skin may also crack, burn and become raw and weepy. The rash may also extend to the instep of the foot, and the feet may have an unpleasant odor. The webs between the toes may become white, soggy and soft; skin may actually peel off if it is rubbed or scratched. The itch is even more intense when the shoes and socks are removed. Occasionally, blisters may form and become infected with bacteria. The skin may appear even more inflamed, and pus may exude from the skin. This is termed bacterial superinfection. Sometimes the skin on the arch of the foot may appear to be shiny and cracked in athlete’s foot.
How is athlete’s foot treated?
Athlete’s foot is treated with medication and a change in the environment of the feet to discourage fungal infection. The primary treatment is the use of topical antifungal medications. These include the prescription creams terbinafine, econazole and clotrimazole. Over the counter creams for athlete’s foot include lotrimin, tinactin or micatin. Good foot hygiene is particularly important. The individual with athlete’s foot should rinse his or her feet in plain water, dry them and then apply the cream to the rash and beyond the border of the rash two times a day or as directed by the clinician. Most adolescents need to use the antifungal cream for three or four weeks to eradicate the fungal infection. Oral antifungal medication is rarely needed or used for athlete’s foot. If a bacterial superinfection is present, then antibiotics may be prescribed.
Keeping the feet dry will help to improve athlete’s foot. Going barefoot or in open shoes such as sandals is helpful as this allows the feet to ventilate. Cotton socks absorb moisture and this also allows the feet to stay dry. The color of the cotton socks is not important. Teens should try to change their socks two times each day. A daily bath or shower with careful drying of your feet is also helpful. After one dries his or her feet, then the towel should not be used on any other parts of the body. This will prevent spread of the infection to areas such as the groin.
Washing one’s feet may diminish foot odor and changing the socks two times each day should also be helpful. If the odor does not go away, then the teen may add one ounce of household vinegar to a basin of warm water and wash his or her feet in that solution. If an adolescent’s tennis shoes have an odor, then washing them with detergent and bleach may help rid them of the odor.
How is athlete’s foot prevented
Athlete’s foot may be prevented by creating a healthy environment for one’s feet that will discourage the fungi from setting up an infection. Wearing well-fitted shoes that allow ventilation of the feet or open shoes as weather permits may be helpful. Leather or cotton allows the feet to ventilate; vinyl or rubber does not allow ventilation. If the youth is an athlete, then one should purchase shoes of natural materials. Cotton or wool socks that allow for natural ventilation will also help diminish perspiration and moisture between the toes or on the arches of the feet. Nylon socks may inhibit evaporation of moisture. Teens should not go to bed with shoes, socks or any other close coverings on their feet. Good hygiene and careful drying of the feet after bathing or showering is important. Wearing clogs in the locker room may help to prevent a teen from acquiring the fungi from contact with the floor. Teens should also be sure also to shower after athletics. Some individuals use a powder between their toes and on their arches to absorb moisture. If a teen has itchy toes, then they should not be rubbed as this could cause a bacterial superinfection. If a teen has diabetes, then he or she should be certain to discuss proper foot care with the responsible clinician.
Related topics:
Athletic equipment, diabetes, fungal infections, jock itch, skin disorders
