Tinea pedis or more commonly called athlete’s foot is a skin condition that is caused by a fungal infection and is located on the feet with the toe clefts usually the entry point. It may result in skin rash and itching, the burning sensation, skin inflammation and even develop to be cracked which if untreated leads to comorbidities. Fortunately, an athlete’s foot can be effectively controlled and there are steps you can take to keep it from coming back.
Understanding Athlete’s Foot
The skin disease is as a result of dermatophytes fungi which exist in warm and moisture trapped areas such as showers, swimming pool side, and gymnasiums, wet and tight shoes. These fungi obtain nutrients from dead skin cells, specifically the keratin layer, resulting in symptoms associated with the athlete’s foot. Even though this particular infection is more likely to be encountered by athletes who regularly participate in competitions that involve sharing of water facilities such as pools, you can contract it regardless of your status or occupation.
Managing Athlete’s Foot
Topical Antifungal Treatments Over the counter treatments are usually in the form of creams, powders, or sprays that are used to treat the athlete’s foot. Other relevant products include those with clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine where these substances destroy the fungus or prevent it from growing. Rub the treatment into the area as told by your doctor, typically, and carry on using the treatment for a week or so after the symptoms have disappeared, to ensure all the infection is gone.
Athlete’s Foot Prevention Measures:
Fungi grow in warm dark places, it is important to note that our feet have glands that sweat constantly hence making athlete’s feet be born from sweat, one must make sure they dry their feet well and wash them often. Take foot baths, during bath, ensure that you use soap and water and that you clean the skin at the bottom of the feet especially at the in between the toes. After washing, there is also a need to dry the feet especially in cases where one has to wear shoes or socks shortly. Another way you can use is to make use of a hair dryer, but this must be set to the lowest heat possible so that all the moisture can be dried up.
Use of powder:
Effective powders on the feet will ensure that the skin is dry and there is an added protection from the fungi. It is used on the feet particularly the areas in-between the toes and also on the inside of shoes and socks. This can be especially useful if you are someone who sweats a lot or if you are wearing some shoes with an enclosed feet area for several hours.
Wearing Breathable Footwear:
Avoid using enclosed shoes, tight socks and shoes that are made up of synthetic material such as rubber, polyurethane etc. , go for synthetic leather or mesh material through which air can pass through and keep your feet dry. Do not wear the same shoes for two consecutive days and also make sure the shoe has dried up for a considerable period before you wear it again. Where possible, during warm weather, avoid using boots or shoes that are close and prefer open-toed shoes or sandals instead.
Caring for the Feet:
Athlete’s foot is best treated through good hygiene of the feet. Clipping the toenails is important regularly and it is recommended that you keep your toenails clean and dry all the time. If you have to take a shower in public places such as showers that are available in public facilities, it is advisable to wear flip-flops or shoes when in the shower or changing clothes to avoid touching the area that is infected by fungi.
Severe or persistent infections:
For minor and mild infections, you can try an over the counter topical cream, but in the event your infection is severe, then a dermatologist in Islamabad will prescribe an antifungal drug. In some cases, one can need special oral antifungal drugs or more potent topical preparations to get rid of the infection. One has to adhere strictly to the directions given by the dermatologist in order to have the best results.
Preventing Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is easily preventable especially through personal hygiene; Washing and drying feet regularly How to prevent athlete’s foot Keep your feet dry. For socks, it is recommended that one should change socks frequently, especially when they are soaked in sweat, and the best kind of socks are synthetic ones contrary to the normal cotton socks. It is advisable to apply foot powder, or antiperspirant on the feet to minimize sweating.
Shoes Rotation:
Always give your shoes some time to breathe or dry up by changing them with other shoes. To prevent the growth of fungi, shoes should not be worn for two consecutive days, as moisture left in them becomes an excellent breeding ground for these organisms.
Maintain Hygiene:
When walking in the shower area, showering or using the pool or locker rooms ensure that you wear shoes at all times or flip flops. It is easier for fungi to spread all over these places hence it is advised that direct contact with the floors should be minimized.
Do Not Borrow or Exchange Personal Items:
Infections such as athlete’s foot are easily passed on through direct person to person contact or contact with objects that the infected person has touched. Question, do not share shoes or socks, towels or nail clippers, to minimize the chances of getting an infection.
Shoes and Socks:
Always ensure that your shoes are disinfected and your socks washed in hot water so that you eradicate any fungi on them. The inside of your shoes should be sprayed or powdered with an anti-fungal to avoid fungus build up.
Improve Your immune System:
A well strengthened immune system is very useful in preventing some of the fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Try to maintain good nutrition, healthy exercise and other practices that would strengthen your immunity.
By following these management and prevention strategies, you can effectively treat an athlete’s foot and reduce the risk of recurrence. If your symptoms persist despite these measures, consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment options.