Athlete’s foot is a fungal
infection of the foot, and is called so as it is commonly
seen in the feet of athletes.
Causes of Athlete’s Foot
A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes
causes athlete's foot. These organisms sprout tendril-like
microscopic extensions that infect the superficial layer of
the skin. In response to this fungal growth, the basal layer
of the skin produces more skin cells than usual. As these
cells push to the surface, the skin becomes thick and scaly.
Most often, the more the fungi spread, the more scales your
skin produces, causing the ring of advancing infection to
form. The organisms that cause athlete's foot thrive in damp,
close environments created by thick, tight shoes that squeeze
the toes together and create warm, moist areas between them.
Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions also favor the
organisms' growth. Plastic shoes in particular provide a
welcoming environment for fungal growth and infection.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread in the
following ways:
• Human to human.
Athlete's foot often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact
with an infected person. Not everyone who carries the fungus
develops signs and symptoms of athlete's foot.
• Object to human. The
fungus is carried on fragments of skin or other particles that
contaminate floors, mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes, shoes and
other surfaces. Although transmission can occur within a
household, the infection is more commonly passed along in
public areas — locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal
baths and showers.
• Animal to human.
Household pets can pass along fungal infections to humans.
What are the symptoms?
There is a red, scaly, cracked
rash between the toes along with an unpleasant odour. The
rash itches, burns and scratching makes it raw and weepy. It
is common in adolescents.
The signs and symptoms of athlete's foot can
be numerous, although you probably won't have all of them:
• Itching, stinging and burning between your toes
• Itching, stinging and burning on the soles of your feet
• Itchy blisters
• Cracking and peeling skin, especially between your toes
and on the soles of your feet
• Excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of
the feet
• Toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or
pulling away from the nail bed
Onychomycosis — a fungal infection of the nail — may develop
with or without other signs and symptoms of athlete's foot.
Why does it occur?
The fungus grows well on warm, damp skin. The
sweating due to exercise leads to ideal conditions for the
growth of fungus in the skin folds of the toes encased in
shoes.
Diagnosis of Athlete’s
Foot?
Your doctor
will want to determine if your signs and symptoms are caused by athlete's foot
or by another skin disorder, such as dermatitis or psoriasis. You'll probably
be asked about exposure to contaminated areas or contact with people who have
athlete's foot.
Your doctor
may take skin scrapings or fluid samples from your foot to view under a
microscope to identify a fungus. If the sample shows a fungus, an antifungal
medication is the usual treatment. If the test is negative but your doctor
still suspects that you have athlete's foot, a sample may be sent to a
laboratory to determine whether it will grow fungus under the right
conditions. This test is known as a culture. Your doctor may also order a
culture if your condition doesn't respond to treatment.
Treatments of Athlete’s Foot?
If athlete's foot is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, you
may need a prescription-strength topical medication (lotion, powder, spray or
ointment) or an oral medication (pill, capsule or tablet). Many options are
available, including:
Terbinafine
(Lamisil)
Clotrimazole
(Lotrimin)
Miconazole
(Monistat-Derm)
If your fungal
infection is severe or doesn't respond to topical medicine, your doctor may give
you a prescription oral medication. Oral medications include:
Itraconazole
(Sporanox)
Fluconazole
(Diflucan)
Terbinafine
(Lamisil)
Side effects from oral medications include ; gastrointestinal upset, rash and abnormal liver function. Taking
other medications, such as antacid therapies for ulcer disease or
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may interfere with the absorption of
these drugs. Oral medications for athlete's foot may alter the effectiveness of
warfarin, an anticoagulant drug that decreases the clotting ability of your
blood. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic if you have an accompanying
bacterial infection. In addition, your doctor may recommend wet dressings,
steroid ointments, compresses or vinegar soaks to help clear up blisters or
soggy skin.
Prevention of Athlete’s Foot?
These tips can help you avoid athlete's foot or ease the symptoms if infection
occurs:
Keep your
feet dry, especially between your toes.
Go barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you're
home.
Go with natural materials.
Wear socks that are made of natural material, such as cotton or wool, or a
synthetic fiber designed to draw moisture away from your feet.
Change socks
and stockings regularly.
If your feet sweat a lot, change your socks twice a day.
Wear light,
well-ventilated shoes.
Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber.
Alternate
pairs of shoes.
This allows time for your shoes to dry.
Protect your feet in public places.
Wear waterproof sandals or shower shoes in communal showers, pools, fitness
centers and other public areas.
Treat your
feet.
Use an antifungal powder daily.
Don't borrow
shoes.
Borrowing risks spreading a fungal infection.
When to seek Medical Advice
If you have a rash on your foot that doesn't improve or worsens
after you've followed home and lifestyle remedies, see your doctor. See someone
sooner if you notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever. In
addition, if you have diabetes and suspect you have athlete's foot, see your
doctor.
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