Athlete's Foot

Prevention and Treatment of Tinea Pedis Infection

Nov 27, 2008 Steven M. Cohen

Athlete's foot is a common, preventable fungal infection. This article reviews symptoms, prevention and treatment.

Athlete's foot, known by the medical name tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The infection is contracted by direct contact of the skin with the fungus, usually through contaminated surfaces (locker room or shower floors), or through contaminated socks and shoes. The fungi, once established on the skin surface, multiply in moist, dark conditions provided by closed shoes. Athletes, who typically wear closed toe shoes and perspire when training, are likely to suffer from athletes foot at some point in their careers. However, non-athletes are susceptible to the infection as well. Athletes' foot is usually treated by use of anti-fungal creams or powders. Additionally, washing of the feet twice per day, will prevent progression of the infection. Frequent sock and shoe changes will eliminate the moisture build up that allows the infection to thrive.

Causes of Athlete's Foot

  • Use of closed shoes increases the risk of infection. This is a particularly important risk factor if the same shoes are routinely worn on consecutive days. This causes moisture build up, increasing the risk for infection.
  • Excessive sweating of the feet.
  • Exposure to tinea pedis fungus.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

  • Redness, cracking and peeling of the skin between the toes.
  • Itching, burning and stinging sensation of the affected area.
  • Blisters, oozing or crusting of the skin may also occur.

Diagnosis of Athlete's Foot

  • Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the patient's history, and examination of the foot. Observation of the skin reveals typical features of athletes foot infection.
  • Diagnostic testing is usually unnecessary, but is done occasionally. Tests include skin culture, lesion biopsy, and microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings under a microscope. Scrapings are placed in postasium hydroxide (KOH) solution, and then examined for the presence of fungus.

Treatment of Athlete's Foot

  • For mild cases, keeping the feet dry and clean will clear up the condition. It is important to change shoes daily, to avoid moisture build up.
  • Dusting footwear with talcum power absorbs excess moisture, and will help clear the infection.
  • Several over the counter creams and powders are available to treat athletes foot.

Prevention of Athlete's Foot

  • Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms, in public showers, or on public pool decks. Sandals or “flip-flops” should be worn at all times, to avoid contact with tinea pedis fungus.
  • Do not share footwear.
  • Avoid rental footwear, such as bowling shoes or ice skates.
  • If rental equipment is used, clean and powder feet as soon as possible after use of the rented footwear.

For more information, see eMedicinehealth.com

The copyright of the article Athlete's Foot in Sports Medicine is owned by Steven M. Cohen. Permission to republish Athlete's Foot in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Prevent athlete's foot with flip flops, wiki commons Prevent athlete's foot with flip flops