What is Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)?
Tinea pedis (also known as foot ringworm or athlete's foot) is an infection of the feet involving the soles, interdigital clefts of toes, and nails due to a dermatophyte fungus. This condition is common in people with highly sweaty feet confined in tight-fitting shoes.
Athlete's foot symptoms include an itchy, scaly rash. This disease is contagious and can be easily transferred through contaminated floors, towels, or clothing.
Athlete's foot disease is similar to other types of fungal infections like ringworm and jock itch. It is treatable with antifungal medications, but the infection frequently recurs.
Symptoms
One or both feet may be affected in the tinea pedis or athlete's foot. The following are common signs and symptoms:
- Skin between the toes that is peeling, scaly, or cracked.
- Itchiness, especially after removing shoes and socks.
- Skin that is inflamed and may appear reddish, purplish, or greyish. depending on your skin color
- Stinging or burning sensations in the foot
- Dry and scaly skin on the bottom of the foot that extends upside.
- Blisters
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Get A Second OpinionWhen to see a doctor?
One should seek medical attention if the foot rash does not improve after two weeks of self-treatment with over-the-counter antifungal products.
Consult your doctor if you have diabetes and suspect athlete's foot, or have any signs of an infection, such as swelling, pus, or fever.
At Medicover Hospitals, get the best treatment for tinea pedis disease from our experienced dermatologist.
Causes
Tinea pedis is a foot infection caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. It is the same fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. Wearing damp socks and shoes, as well as warm, humid conditions promotes the growth of the organisms.
Athlete's foot or Tinea pedis is contagious and can be spread by coming into contact with an infected person or touching the contaminated surfaces such as towels, floors, and shoes. It can also easily spread from the foot to other parts of the body,particularly if you keep touching or scratching on the infected areas of your foot.
Risk Factors
You are more likely to get an athlete's foot in the following conditions:
- Wearing enclosed footwear
- Wearing unwashed socks for long periods
- Excessive sweating
- Sharing mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes, or shoes of an infected person.
- Prolonged exposure to water
- Warm and humid conditions
Prevention
These precautions can help you avoid athlete's foot or prevent it from spreading to others:
- Allow your feet to breathe : Wear footwear that allows your feet to get some air and skin to breathe.
- Every day clean your feet : Use warm, soapy water to wash your feet and dry them properly. If prone to athlete's foot, use a medicated foot powder.
- Regularly change your socks : Change your socks at least once a day if your feet become excessively sweaty. Moisture-wicking socks, such as cotton socks keep your feet drier than nylon socks.
- Alternate shoe pairs : Wear different shoes daily, allowing your shoes to dry after each use.
- In public places, keep your feet protected : Wear water-resistant sandals or shoes near public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
- Be aware of the risk factors : Don't share shoes, dirty bedding, or towels if you live with others.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist may be able to diagnose an athlete's foot by examining its symptoms. Athlete's foot can resemble dry skin or dermatitis. For accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions, your doctor may take a skin scraping sample from the affected skin area for testing in a lab.
Treatment
Suppose nonprescription products and self-care don't work, in that case, you might need to show the infection to a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe cream or ointment, such as clotrimazole, econazole, or ciclopirox. Antifungal medicines such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) are prescribed if the infection starts getting more severe.
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Book an AppointmentDo’s and Don't
Tinea pedis is a chronic infection that can recur frequently. Therefore, it is crucial to follow a set of do’s and don’ts to manage it effectively. If left untreated it can spread to other body parts and being a contagious infection it is transmissible to other people.
| Do’s | Don't |
|---|---|
| Avoid wearing closed shoes in warm and moist environments | Avoid foot hygiene |
| Dry your toes in between after bath | Visit public places with barefoot |
| Change socks frequently | Keep touching or scraping the skin infection. |
| Use prescribed antifungal medications on the affected area | Wear dirty and damp socks |
| Practice good foot hygiene practices | Wear same shoes everyday |
Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to the patients with compassionate care. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of Tinea pedis, based on which a dedicated treatment plan is designed. We have an excellent team of dermatologists and other specialists who collaborate to diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision to deliver successful treatment outcomes.
Citations
Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive reviewTinea pedis: The etiology and global epidemiology of a common fungal infection
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tinea Unguium and Tinea Pedis in the General Population in Spain
Dermatology for the practicing allergist: Tinea pedis and its complications
Treatments of tinea pedis
Tinea pedis: An Update
