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What is Athletes Foot ?
The name athlete’s foot seems to be
misleading because of the term “athlete”. But it is a common
name given to fungal infection of the skin caused by parasitic
fungi and usually occurs in the areas between the toes, soles of
the feet and spread to the toenails. It can spread to other
areas when one touches the affected area and touch other parts
of the body like palms, underarms, hands, groin etc. The medical
name given to this is tinea pedis. It is common in adult males
and teenagers but can affect anyone whose feet tends to be
sweaty and damp. The name athlete’s foot is because it was very
common in athletes. Other conditions that mimic athlete’s foot
include psoriasis, eczema, disturbances in sweat mechanisms,
reaction to dyes etc.
Causes
Human body hosts a variety of microorganisms, which includes
fungi and bacteria. The infection is caused when pathogenic
(disease causing microorganisms) organisms multiply rapidly. The
fungus that causes athlete’s foot usually grows in moist places.
The main causes for the infection are
as follows
•All fungi do not harm human body. Many people have fungus
present on their skin that is harmless. But when the skin is cut
or cracked there are chances for these fungi to enter the body
causing infection.
•The fungi are found in moist and damp places. So it is common
in people who sweat or with sweat feet.
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•Toes are the most common places
that get affected due to the accumulation of moisture.
•People who don not change their socks or stockings regularly
tend to get athlete’s foot in their toes.
•Athlete’s foot is commonly associated with Toenail infections.
It is very difficult to treat and characterised by scaling,
thickening of the nails and nail loss.
•It is a contagious disease. The common places of the infection
spreading or people getting prone to attack are swimming pools,
bathrooms, changing rooms etc.
•The organisms that cause athlete’s foot exits for longer
periods. So, there are chances for the infection to spread
through contaminated bedspreads, clothes etc.
•If it is left untreated, it can spread to other areas such as
armpits and the groin. Sometimes there are chances of the
infection spreading to the face also.
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Classification
The classification is based on the area of infection. It is
described as follows:
When fungal infection occurs on :
The head it is known as “tinea capitus”.
The skin it is known as “tinea corporis”.
The bearded areas it is referred as “tinea barbae”.
The feet it is called as “tinea pedis”.
The fold of the skin it is reffered as “intertrigo”. This can
occur when the fold of the skin in areas such as underarms,
beneath the breasts traps moisture.
Symptoms
The symptoms of athlete’s foot includes the following:
• Blisters on soles and sides of feet. This type of athlete’s
foot is called as “moccasin” pattern. The blisters may lead some
part of the tissue to get exposed leading to pain and
inflammation.
• Scaling of the skin.
• Peeling of the skin.
• Itching. It is common in places between the toes.
• Redness of skin.
• Cracking of the skin.
• Burning or stinging sensation.
• The skin tends to swell up containing sticky fluid.
All the above leads to swelling, pain and inflammation of the
skin. The symptoms can be dangerous or mid. In severe cases,
where the fungal infection is exceeded certain stages it can
cause the toenails to become thick and yellow.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis for athlete’s foot is done by scraping a small
part of the skin on the feet and sending it to examination. The
examination is done under a microscope mainly to determine the
fungus.
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Treatment
The treatment that is started off for this disease is
anti-fungal medications. If home remedy does not work out it is
better to rush to a doctor to avoid further infections and
complications. The topical antifungal gents generally prescribed
are itraconazole, keratolytic such as salicylic acid, miconazole
and terbinafine. The time taken for cure is about 40-45 days or
longer. Some fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals used for
athlete’s foot fail to cure the infection because the chemicals
frequently fail to contact the fungi in the horny layers of the
skin. Such cases oral drugs are prescribed. Since the fungus
hosts on moist and warm conditions, people who wear socks and
shoes tend to get affected more. So some anti fungal powders are
given to use it in shoes and socks. It is better to dry the feet
thoroughly after bathing or swimming especially in between the
toes. Changing the socks regularly also helps from getting
infected up to certain extent. |
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Cotton socks are recommended since
they absorb moisture. Treatment should be taken for sweaty feet.
There are certain creams and sprays recommended. The most effective
cream is supposed to be Lamisil cream. It is an important note for
people suffering with diabetes; they cannot use any treatment as
they wish for. Instead, it is safe to take the advice of the doctor.
There are certain new medicines, which is come into market that has
minimal side effects and less expensive but are available only
through prescription. Certain topical applications such as Carbol
Fuscin Red dye and Castellani’s Paint are also used but only for
areas that are affected less. The course of the treatment should be
completed to avoid further infections. Usually the medications will
reduce the itching sensation, swelling in the first few weeks of the
treatment. But the treatment must be continued since the fungi can
re-enter and cause further infections. The fungal infection is very
common in human. But people who are suffering with diabetes and HIV
should be very careful and consult the doctor immediately once they
notice any symptom of such infections.
Prevention
As all of us know prevention is always better than cure. There are
certain steps or methods to prevent from getting affected by
athlete’s foot. They are described in brief as follows:
It is usually not easy to prevent athlete’s foot since it is
contagious. It can spread in common areas such as bathrooms,
swimming pools, public showers and any other moist places. However,
it can be prevented up to certain extent by following some hygienic
measures like:
• Keep your feet dried.
• Avoid using others towels and always use afresh towel after taking
bath.
• Use cotton socks that can absorb moisture. Change the socks
everyday.
• Avoid walking bare foot.
• Use sandals or waterproof shoes in locker rooms.
• Try to use light and airy shoes.
• You can use quality talcum powder to reduce the sweat.
• Wash your feet everyday with soap and water and keep them dry.
Drying in between the toes is important as it accumulates water.
• Washing underwear, socks, bed sheets, towels etc with hot water
(60C) will also help in preventing the infection.
Conclusion
The conclusion is that the best way to prevent athlete’s foot is to
keep oneself hygiene. If one gets affected it is better to go to a
doctor instead of avoiding it and being careless.
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Article Contributed By: Shilpa V
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