ATHLETE'S FOOT
DEFINITION
Athlete's foot is a common fungus infection that occurs between the toes. The skin becomes itchy and sore and cracks and peels away. Athlete's foot is also known as tinea pedis (pronounced TIN-ee-uh PED-uhs) or foot ring-worm (see ringworm entry). The disease can be treated, but it can be persistent and difficult to clear up completely.
DESCRIPTION
Athlete's foot is characterized by itchy, peeling skin on the feet. It is a very common condition. Most people have the condition at least once in their lives. It occurs less often in women and in children under the age of twelve. Young children may have the symptoms of athlete's foot, but those symptoms are usually caused by other skin conditions.
The fungi that cause athlete's foot grow well in warm, damp areas. For that reason, they often occur in and around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. That explains why tinea pedis is called athletes foot: it occurs frequently among athletes who use these facilities.
CAUSES
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection that occurs most frequently between the fourth and fifth toes. The fungi that cause the disease are unusual in that they live exclusively on dead body tissue, such as dead skin and nails. These fungi grow best in moist, damp, dark places with poor ventilation. For that reason, athlete's foot is less common among people who go barefoot.
Many people carry the fungus that causes athlete's foot on their skin. The fungus becomes active, however, only when conditions are right. Many people believe that the fungus is very contagious. But that does not seem to be the case. Research shows that it is difficult to pick up the infection by simply walking barefoot on a damp floor that contains the fungus. Scientists do not know exactly why some people develop the disease and others do not.
Other factors can contribute to the growth of the athlete's foot fungus. These include sweaty feet, tight shoes, socks that do not absorb moisture, a warm climate, and inadequate drying of the feet after swimming or bathing.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of athlete's foot include itchy, sore skin on the toes, with scaling, cracking, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters that break can expose raw patches of tissue. These patches can also cause pain and swelling. As the infection spreads, itching and burning may get worse.
If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread to the bottom of the feet and toenails. Toenail infections may be accompanied by crumbling, scaling, and thickened nails, and nail loss. The infection can also be spread if the patient scratches him or herself and then touches another part of the body. The fungus also grows well in the groin area and under the arms. The infection can also be spread to other body parts by bed sheets and clothing that carry the fungus.
DIAGNOSIS
Patients may be tempted to treat their rash with nonprescription drugs. However, if the condition is not properly diagnosed, such drugs could make the rash worse. It is better to see a doctor about the rash. A dermatologist (skin specialist) can diagnosis athlete's foot by conducting a physical examination and studying skin scrapings from the foot under a microscope. When treated with potassium hydroxide, the scrapings show the presence of fungi.
TREATMENT
Athlete's foot may be resistant to medication and should not be ignored. Simple cases can usually be cured with antifungal (fungus-killing) creams or sprays. If creams do not work, the doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs to be taken by mouth. Untreated athlete's foot may lead to a bacterial infection in the skin cracks.
Alternative Treatment
A footbath containing cinnamon can slow down the growth of certain fungi and can be effective in clearing up athlete's foot. The bath is made by adding eight to ten cinnamon sticks to four cups of boiling water. The mixture is allowed to simmer for five minutes and then to steep for forty-five minutes. When the mixture is lukewarm, it can be used to soak the feet.
Other herbal remedies include a foot soak or powder made with goldenseal or tea tree oil. A cream made with calendula (pronounced KUH-lenjuh-luh) can also help heal cracked skin.
PROGNOSIS
Athlete's foot usually responds well to treatment. Patients should be sure to use all the medication given to them by a doctor. The disease may seem to be gone, but some fungus might still remain on the skin. In that case, the disease will reappear. Toenail infections that sometimes occur with athlete's foot can be very difficult to treat.
PREVENTION
Athlete's foot can be prevented by following some simple rules of good hygiene, including:
- Wash feet daily
- Dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes
- Avoid tight shoes, especially in summer
- Wear sandals during warm weather
- Wear cotton socks and change them often if they get damp
- Do not wear socks made of synthetic materials
- Go barefoot outdoors when possible
- Wear bathing shoes in public bathing or showering areas
- Use a good quality foot powder
- Do not wear sneakers without socks
- Wash towels, contaminated floors, and shower stalls well with hot soapy water if anyone in the family has athlete's foot
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Books
Donahue, Peggy Jo. Relief from Chronic Skin Problems. New York: Dell Publishing, 1992.
Stoffman, Phyllis. The Family Guide to Preventing and Treating 100 Infectious Illnesses. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1995.
Organizations
American Academy of Dermatology. 930 North Meachum Road, P.O. Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168–4014. http://www.aad.org.
American Podiatric Medical Association. 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 571–9200. http://www.apma.org.