Athlete’s Foot Presentation.

ANUGOM Anthony Emeka

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What is Athlete’s Foot?

A common term for different fungal infections of the foot.

The medical term is: “Tinea Pedis” referring to the causative organism and location of the infection. This is a ringworm fungus

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What is Athlete’s Foot? It can be found in:

Floors in gyms

Socks and clothing

Public areas where people walk barefoot

Locker/Change rooms

Swimming pools

Nail salons

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Causes of Athlete’s Foot They are usually caused by:

Dermatophytes (The commonest and thus the name Tinea Pedis (Ringworm of the Foot) They live on dead tissues of hair, nails and outer skin layers.

Yeast (Usually as secondary invaders) especially in the immunocomprpmised

Moulds (Extremely rare). 4

Causes of Athlete’s Foot Dermatophytes thrive in warm moist areas

The risk of developing it increases if you:

Wear closed shoes (especially if plastic-lined)

Keep your feet wet for long periods.

Sweat a lot.

Develop a minor skin or nail injury.

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Causes of Athlete’s Foot

It is contagious and can be passed via: Direct contact

Contact with items like shoes, stockings

Shower or Pool surfaces

Contact with pets that carry the fungus

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Causes of Athlete’s Foot

It can stay dormant in: Shoes Socks Bath mats and Floors

even after the surfaces are cleaned.

Thus remaining viable to cause and infection

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Types of Athlete’s Foot

There are three common types:

1. On the soles of the feet – “Moccasin Type”.

2. Between the Toes – “Inter digital Type”

3. Blistering – “Inflammatory Type”

It May be associated with Jock itch. 8

Clinical Signs and Symptoms The commonest is Cracked, Flaking,

Peeling Skin between the toes or side of the foot

Red and Itchy Skin

Burning or Stinging Pain

Blisters that ooze or get crusty

If spread to fingernails, can make it discoloured, thick and even crumble

It may occur with other fungal skin infections like ringworm and jock itch.

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Diagnosis Diagnosis is mainly by looking at

the skin.

If tests is required, they consist:

Skin Culture

Skin Lesion Biopsy

Skin Lesion KOH Examination.

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Treatment Over-the Counter Antifungal powders Antifungal Sprays and Antifungal creams can help control the infection. (Preparations like Tolnaftate,

Clotrimazole or Miconazole)

Continue the application for 1 – 2 weeks after infection has cleared, to prevent recurrence. 11

Treatment Keep feet clean and dry (especially interdigital

[in-between the feet] )

Thorough feet wash with soap and water

Dry completely and carefully (Twice daily)

Wear clean cotton socks

Change socks as often as necessary to keep feet dry.

Its responds well to self care, but may recur.12

Treatment If it persists after 2-4 weeks of self-

care: See your Doctor. He may prescribe stronger antifungal

medications like: ketoconazole or terbinafine.

Its usually responsive to treatment but due to possible recurrence, it requires:

long term treatment preventive measures.

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Complications The following problems can

arise from neglected or poorly treated athletes foot:

Recurrence

Cellulitis (Bacterial Skin Infection)

Lymphangitis

Lymphadenitis

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Prevention

Dry feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming

Wear sandals or flip-flops at a public shower or pool.

Change socks often to keep feet dry (At least once a day)

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Prevention Use antifungal/drying powder to

prevent it (if you are susceptible to getting it or often in areas where its common)

Wear shoes that are well ventilated and made of natural materials like Leather

Consider alternating shoes each day to enable them dry completely between wearing them. (Avoid Plastic Shoes).

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Questions

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Credits

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001878/

http://www.medicinenet.com/athletes_foot/page2.htm

http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-2215-2222,21036.asp

http://www.birminghamfootclinic.co.uk/footcomp_athletes.htm

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