- What is it?
Athlete’s foot, or Tinea pedis is a fungal skin condition of the feet.
It’s also contagious and can easily be spread to other people especially when you share the same bathroom/shower area with the affected individual such as in same house or in public swimming pool, sauna, gym shower etc.
2. What causes it?
Athlete’s foot occurs due to the dermatophyte fungus. The 3 most common are:
- Trichophyton (T.) rubrum
- T. interdigitale
- Epidermophyton floccosum
3. What are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
- Itchiness between the toes. Maceration sometimes is also presented in between toes, most common between 4th and 5th toes
- Scaling looking skin presentation covering the bottom and sides of the feet
- Unusual dryness on the bottom of feet.
- Tiny red blisters in clusters appearing around the toes
Some examples:
4. Who would be prone to getting Athlete’s Foot?
Usually occurs in males and adolescents/young adults. However, it can also affect females, children and older people. Infection is usually acquired by direct contact with the dermaphyte fungus.
5. What are the options of treatment?
As presentation of Athletes’ foot (Tinea pedis) can vary and can affect any part of the skin in your feet, it’s important to have a proper diagnosis prior to treatment.
The diagnosis can be made clinically in most cases by the podiatrist based on clinical features of your feet. Other typical sites, such as toenails often be checked which may support a diagnosis.
A recommendation of anti-fungal product is a good start, which often is available in cream, gel or spray. The podiatrist also can recommend which type would be suitable and work best for you upon assessing your feet.
6. What are some ways to prevent it from happening to me?
Having good personal foot hygiene is equally important to aid with treatment and in preventing Athlete’s Foot.
Some common and effective ways to keep your feet healthy and free from fungal skin infection are:
- Wash feet thoroughly with soap in shower
- Dry your feet and between your toes well after shower
- Change socks daily
- Avoid walking barefoot at public swimming pool, gym showers area etc. Instead, bring your own thongs and wear them
- Clean your shower regularly at home
- Avoid wearing occlusive footwear (ie. work boots) for long period. Change to casual shoes on the weekend if possible
- Treat shoes with antifungal powder
Any questions on how we can help or unsure of what you’re looking at (your feet), please feel free to get in touch with our reception team on
03 97117562. Looking forward to seeing you!
