Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet. The fungus, tinea pedis, is a dermatophyte that can infect the skin, scalp and nails.
What causes athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s Foot is usually contracted from public environments by having direct contact with animals, humans or surfaces that are infected. It can also be caused by touching soil that may be contaminated. The fungus then grows in the warm and moist environment of footwear, and can be difficult to eradicate.
Symptoms
- Reddish, round patches that can be several cm in diameter.
- Patches that have a “crusty” edge that may be defined and raised.
- Itchiness
Diagnosis
Seeing a knowledgeable physician in the diagnosis of skin infections is the best way to determine the correct diagnosis and get started on proper treatment. The physician will examine the area to determine which skin infection you are suffering from and may take a swab to send to the lab to test for the infection (this is normally not needed though).
Treatment
- Prevention
- Antifungal medication
Risk Factor may include
- Participating in wrestling where there is close skin-to-skin contact.
- Not changing dirty socks
- Wet or dirty shoes
- Not keeping feel clean and dry
How can you Prevent Athlete’s Foot?
- Wear safe sandals in the locker room.
- Wear cotton socks, and change them often.
- Clean and dry feet before putting on a fresh pair. If shoes are wet or sweaty, make sure to dry them before lacing up again.
- Wash and dry feet well. Fungi from athlete's foot will live in a warm, moist environment.
- Application of a talc powder can help keep feet dry over the course of the day.
