Athlete's Foot: Symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment

By Pamela Ogujiuba

Reviewed by Keno Ekpokpobe

Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that affects the upper layer of the skin of the foot, and usually becomes apparent between the toes.

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus called trichophyton, a parasitic variety that feeds on keratin, a protein found in hair, nails and skin. Trichophyton thrives mostly in dark environments, such as in dead upper layers of skin between the toes of a sweaty foot inside a tight enclosed shoe, their spores are extremely difficult to eliminate and spread everywhere.

 

Athlete's foot forms because there is a presence of fungus and bacteria. When the conditions become right for the bacteria or fungus to grow, usually in moist, warm places like in your shoes that's when the infection sets in. Athlete's foot most usually causes burning, stinging, redness and itching, and in some cases causes flaking of skin.

SYMPTOMS

Athlete's foot presents with lots of different symptoms, but you won't get all of them. However, the longer you have athlete's foot, the worse the symptoms are likely to be.

If you have athlete's foot, you may have the following symptoms;

·         Itchy, scaly, red rash between your toes

·         Small red blisters (usually occurring in the soles of your feet or between your toes)

·         Dryness and scaling on the soles of the feet

·         Ulcers that leak fluid, smell bad and look red

·         Stinging or burning sensation between the toes

In very extreme cases;

·         The skin on the soles of your feet may get thick, and look leathery and red.

·          You may have raised bumps on your feet, these can be very itchy.

·         Discolored, thick and crumbly toenails. Nails may fall off.

·         Skin damaged by athlete's foot can become infected with bacteria. This can lead to cellulitis.

TYPES OF ATHLETE'S FOOT

Toeweb Infection:

This is also known as interstitial infection, and is the most common type. It occurs between the fingers or toes. It usually emanates on the skin between your fourth and fifth toes. In this case, the skin may be red, peeling or scaly, and the rash may give a foul smell or produce discharge. In extreme cases, the skin is a green color.

Moccasin Infection: It is called moccasin infection if the fungus covers the sole of your feet. Early stages present with sore, dry or slightly itchy feet and subsequently the affected skin thickens and cracks or peels. Toenails may get thick and brittle, sometimes the nail falls off.

Moccasin infection is usually seen in people with eczema and asthma.

Vesicular Infection: This begins with an outbreak of fluid filled with vesicles(blisters) under the foot. This is usually on the bottom of the foot, but sometimes can appear anywhere on the foot.

Ulcerative Infection: This type is unusual, but feet develops open sores or ulcers. This ulcers are predisposed to infection by bacteria. In addition to sores that may produce discharge, skin gets inflamed and discolored.

RISK FACTORS

1. Weakened immune system, either by the prolonged use of steroids, chemotherapy or HIV infection.

2. Wearing tight fitting covered toe shoes.

3. Sweaty feet, keeping your feet wet for a long period of time.

4. Walking bare foot in a public area, especially swimming pools, showers.

5. Skin or nail injury

6. Sharing items that have been in contact with the fungus.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Athlete's foot can be treated with over the counter topical antifungal which includes miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole. However, prescription medications are necessary if over the counter medications don't treat the infection.

They include;

* Oral antifungal medications such as Fluconazole, itraconazole.

*Topical steroid medications to reduce painful inflammation.

*Oral antibiotics if bacterial infection develops due to raw skin and blisters.

Athlete's foot can however be prevented, and can be done in the following ways;

1. Wash your feet with soap and water regularly, especially between the toes.

2. Avoid sharing socks, shoes or towels

3. Clad your feet in public showers, swimming pools and in other public places.

4. Change your socks when feet get sweaty.

5. Air your shoes and give time to dry, moisture is a medium for the fungus to thrive.

6. Wear socks made out of synthetic fibers and materials such as cotton or wool.

Athlete’s foot is generally not a harmful disease, as no mortality and morbidity has been recorded. However, it causes serious discomfort and embarrassment and should be avoided.