ATHLETE'S FOOT

Athlete's foot is a skin condition caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes and on the soles of the feet. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because it thrives in a warm, dark, and moist environment.
The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms, are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection is common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became popular.

Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, also may mimic athlete's foot.

SYMPTOMS: The signs of athlete's foot are drying skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads.
Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, including the groin and underarms.

PREVENTION: It is not easy to prevent athlete's foot because it is usually contracted in commonly used areas such as swimming pools, showers, dressing rooms, and locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. However, daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying carefully, especially in between the toes, and changing of shoes on a regular basis will help prevent the fungus from infecting the feet.

TREATMENT: Topical antifungals used to treat athlete's foot can be effective at controlling the interdigital infection. More severe cases, may require a prescription of oral antifungals to eradicate the disease. It is important to keep the feet dry by changing shoes frequently and using an antifungal foot powder.

If a fungus condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and self-care and there is no improvement within two to three weeks, consult Dr. Honick.

ATHLETE'S FOOT TIPS:

  • Avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes.
  • Reduce perspiration by using an antifungal powder.
  • Rotate your shoes on a daily basis.
  • Wear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily.
  • Avoid all cotton socks as they will absorb moisture and make your skin more prone to developing an athlete's foot infection. Instead use a sock that is a mix of cotton with a synthetic material such as nylon, orlon, or rayon. These synthetic materials help to wick moisture away from the skin, keeping the foot drier.
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