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| General Info about Athlete's Foot |
The great renaissance artist, Leonardo da Vinci called the foot "a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art". Athlete's foot is a misnomer. It does not describe the beauty of the foot nor describe the physical condition of the foot, it is merely the name given to the infection occurring on the foot. This infection is caused by a fungus and is now appropriately named as Tinea Pedis.
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 What are the causes of Athlete's Foot ? |
Athlete's foot is an extremely common skin disorder. The fungus that causes athlete's foot and similar infections in other areas, live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and the outer skin layers. The fungi that cause this condition thrive in warm, moist areas. Susceptibility to this infection is increased by poor hygiene, tight and closed footwear, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries. This infection is contagious, and can spread through direct contact, or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or swimming pool surfaces. They also can be transmitted from contact with pets that carry the fungus. Athlete's foot infection may be brief or long-term and may recur after treatment.
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| How can we diagnose Athlete's Foot ? |
The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the skin. A skin lesion biopsy examination or culture may show presence of fungus.
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| How can Athlete's Foot be treated ? |
 Keep the skin clean and dry. Wash the feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area completely. Blow-drying the feet is more effective than drying with a towel.
Wear clean socks. Change socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep the feet dry.
Use anti-fungal powders or creams. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections.
Wet dressings or medicated soaks are used to clean raw, wet or weeping lesions. Dry, scaly lesions may respond to topical creams or lotions.
Preventive measures
Good personal hygiene helps to prevent and treat athlete's foot.
Anti-fungal powders may be used as a preventive measure if a person is susceptible to athlete's foot.
Drying the feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming has been shown to be the best means to prevent the disorder.
Avoid socks made of synthetic materials, because they can retain moisture against the skin.
Change the socks as frequently as needed to keep the feet dry on a daily basis. Shoes should be well ventilated and preferably of natural material such as leather, if feet perspire greatly.
Dry your toes thoroughly after bath and try to spend time with bare feet when you can.
Wear sandals or shoes when walking on moist or wet floors.
Don't share shoes or personal care items such as towels.
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| More Valuable information about Athlete's Foot... |
You don't have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot. Anyone who wears moist shoes for long time can get it. The fungus that causes it thrives in the warm and moist conditions found in most shoes. The infection due to fungus are not limited to the feet, it can infect the skin of the groin, specially the scrotum of men. This condition is called jock itch.
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| Frequently asked questions about Athlete's Foot... |
Which doctor should I visit if I have Athlete's foot?
You can consult a dermatologist for your problem.
Will it recur?
Yes, it can recur even after completely healing.
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| Glossary |
Biopsy - It is a procedure by which sample of affected cells or a piece of tissue is removed from the body so that it can be examined closely under a microscope. The sample can be removed through a needle, by light scraping, or other methods.
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