What is Athletes Foot?
Athletes foot (also known as Tinea Pedis) is a fungal skin infection which can lead to itchy, flaky, red and painful skin that can sometimes crack and bleed. It can occur anywhere on the foot but commonly occurs in between the toes.
Fungal skin infections commonly affect the feet as fungus thrives in the dark, the moist and warm environment provided by shoes and socks. Some of us are more prone than others to developing fungal infections. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, cause breaks in the skin become painful and / or spread to the toenails.
Who can get it?
The incidence of fungal infection is high across the population but some groups are more at risk than others.
Anyone can get Athletes foot but you may be more susceptible to getting it if you have an auto immune disease or diabetes. Also if you walk around communal areas bare foot, don’t change your shoes and socks regularly or if you are prone to sweaty feet. It can also spread from person to person on direct contact.
What are the treatments?
Athletes foot does not usually resolve on its own therefore it is important to seek advice from your GP, Pharmacy or Podiatrist from the onset of symptoms.
Over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments will help get rid of the fungus and help prevent reoccurrence. In some cases a steroid cream or an oral anti-fungal treatment mav be prescribed.
How to prevent it
Dry your feet thoroughly after a bath or shower, including in between the toes.
Wear clean socks daily
Change and clean footwear regularly
Don’t walk barefoot – try to wear flip-flops in communal areas to reduce risk of infection
Avoid picking at skin as this can increase your risk or infection.
Patients frequently come to the clinic embarrassed by the appearance of their feet and one of the most frequent reasons for this is fungal infection of the skin and nails.
If you think you have a fungal skin infection, and it isn’t improving we can help you manage and treat this problem. Treatment will improve the appearance of the feet and may prevent the infection from spreading to affect your toenails.