Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the foot, also known as tinea pedis. It is usually caused by the fungus present in soil. They are four different fungal dermatophytes that can cause infection but the most common is trychophyton rubrum. It is fairly common condition and it is estimated that about 70% of population will suffer from this condition in their lifetime.
Anyone can get athlete’s foot but it is more common in people that are under a lot of stress, wear shoes that don’t fit well, favour nail salons, tend to go barefoot in warm places, such as public showers, swimming pools, locker rooms. The fungus can also spread on direct contact with individuals or with objects containing fungal spores such as socks, shoes, etc. Untreated fungus can spread to other parts of the body, nails, hands, legs, etc. If there is any excessive skin breakdown a secondary bacterial infection can occur which is potentially dangerous in individuals diagnosed with diabetes and those with suppressed immune system.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Infection can occur on any part of the foot but it is most common between toes and on the bottom of the foot.
- The infection might appear wet or dry with redness, scaling, and itching, burning and occasional bleeding.
- Some people have no symptoms and they are not aware that they have a fungal infection.
Treatment
First, visit a chiropodist/podiatrist or your family physician to decide if you have athletes foot and to recommend appropriate treatments. In some cases athlete’s foot looks like other conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. Once diagnoses it can be effectively treated with certain medications and creams.
In order to prevent fungal infections wash and dry feet every day, wear shoes and socks made of natural fibres and materials, do not share clothing, try not to walk barefoot in public places ( swimming pools, gyms) and avoid nail salons that are not steam sterilizing their tools.
People with diabetes and other circulatory problems should always consult health care professional before beginning any treatments.
Odour and Wetness
Excessive perspiration or hyperhidrosis of feet is a fairly common foot condition considering that we have highest concentration of sweat glands, over 250,000 in our feet. Excessive perspiration in combination with overgrown bacterial presence on the skin will result in unpleasant odour or bromidrosis emanating from the surface.
Anyone can suffer from these conditions but it seems that men are more prone to foot odour than women. Excessive sweating and foot odour can be contributed to high stress levels, obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or due to excessive stimulation of sweat glands.
What are the signs and symptoms?
A lot of perspiration and presence of foul odour.
Treatment
Management of both perspiration and foot odour is needed in order to regulate these conditions. Conservative treatments are fairly successful in mild to moderate cases. In order to maintain dry environment use over the counter antiperspirants, wear cotton socks, use absorbent powders (Zeasorb) throughout the day or see your health practitioner for prescription strength antiperspirant. In order to reduce bacterial flora on your skin wash the feet using strong antibacterial soap followed with application of antifungal cream. Surgical treatment is also available but it rarely recommended due to an increased risk of morbidity, scaring and recurrence.
People with diabetes and other circulatory problems should always consult health care professional before beginning any treatments.