Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis): Symptoms and treatment

Athlete’s foot: what exactly is it?

Athlete’s foot, scientifically known as ‘tinea pedis’, is a common skin condition caused by certain types of fungi. These fungi thrive in moist and warm environments, such as in shoes and between toes.

How do you recognize athlete’s foot?

Itching: One of the first and most common symptoms of athlete’s foot is a persistent itch between the toes or on other parts of the foot.

Redness and Inflammation: The infected skin may become red and inflamed, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation.

Flaking: The skin may begin to flake, especially between the toes. This may be accompanied by white, moist skin.

Vesicles or Blisters: In some cases, small, fluid-filled itchy vesicles or blisters may form on the foot, which may burst and release fluid.

Bad Odor: An unpleasant odor is often associated with athlete’s foot due to bacterial activity.

Thickening or Discoloration of the Nails: Although this is more often associated with fungal nails (onychomycosis), a fungus that affects the nails can also cause athlete’s foot and vice versa.

Cracks or Clefts: With advancing infection, cracks or clefts may form in the skin, especially on the heels or on the sides of the foot.

Prevention is better than cure, so ensure good foot hygiene and avoid situations where you are at risk of infection.

How can you treat athlete’s foot?

The treatment focuses on eliminating the fungus and preventing a new infection. Here are some general steps and recommendations:

• PediSpray®: Use PediSpray®, a product with aluminum chloride, to reduce excessive sweating and thus counteract the growth of fungi. Aluminum chloride helps to reduce sweat production, keeping your feet drier and reducing the chance of athlete’s foot.

Treatment of Shoes: In addition to treating the feet, it is also important to treat your shoes to prevent reinfection. Pedifris can be sprinkled in shoes or socks to kill fungal spores.

• PediFris® Classic: This product helps to combat athlete’s foot and also prevents sweaty feet, which can be a breeding ground for fungi. Sprinkle PediFris® Classic daily in your shoes to combat the fungus and prevent the formation of new fungi. It not only helps to combat the fungus, but also neutralizes unpleasant odors.

Antifungal creams and ointments: Various over-the-counter antifungal products are available at the pharmacy. These should be applied according to the instructions on the packaging.

Consult a Doctor: If the symptoms of athlete’s foot persist or worsen, despite the use of over-the-counter remedies and PediFris® Classic, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can prescribe a stronger antifungal treatment.

Early recognition and treatment of athlete’s foot is crucial. By following a consistent treatment plan and taking preventive measures, you can effectively combat athlete’s foot and prevent recurring infections.

How to prevent athlete’s foot

There are several measures that can be taken to prevent or reduce athlete’s foot. Here are some recommendations:

Hygiene is essential: Wash feet daily with soap and water and dry them carefully, especially between the toes where athlete’s foot often nests.

Wear airy shoes: Avoid wearing tight, closed shoes. Instead, opt for shoes that breathe, such as shoes made of real leather or sports shoes with ventilation holes.

Avoid moist environments: Fungi thrive in moist environments. Therefore, ensure that feet remain as dry as possible. If feet perspire, consider wearing special moisture-wicking socks or sprinkling talcum powder on the feet before putting on shoes.

Change shoes and socks regularly: If shoes have become damp from sweat, give them time to dry completely before wearing them again. Changing socks daily can also help to prevent athlete’s foot.

Wear slippers in public areas: Public showers, swimming pools, and changing rooms are often breeding grounds for fungi. Protect feet by wearing slippers in these areas.

Keep nails short and clean: Fungi can nest under the nail edge. Regularly cutting and cleaning nails can prevent this.

Do not share personal items: Avoid sharing shoes, socks, towels, and other personal items, as fungi may be present on them.

Treat foot problems in a timely manner: Calluses, blisters, or small wounds can disrupt the skin’s barrier and thus pave the way for fungi. Therefore, treat these problems in a timely manner and keep the areas clean and dry.

Prevention is the best approach when it comes to athlete’s foot. By maintaining good foot hygiene and being aware of the risks, one can effectively keep athlete’s foot at bay.

Causes of athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot feeds on dead skin cells and moisture. These fungi reproduce particularly well in certain circumstances.

Below is a description of the main causes and promoting factors for the development of athlete’s foot:

Heat and Moisture: Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments. Wearing poorly ventilated shoes, especially for long periods, can increase the risk of athlete’s foot.

Public Areas: Walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, showers, and changing rooms can increase the risk of infection, as these are often breeding grounds for fungi.

Insufficient Foot Hygiene: Irregular washing of the feet or not thoroughly drying the feet, especially between the toes, can create a favorable environment for fungal growth.

Damaged Skin or Nails: Small cuts, abrasions, or damaged toenails can provide an entry point for athlete’s foot.

Shared Items: Sharing shoes, socks, or towels with someone who has athlete’s foot can transmit the fungus.

It is important to be aware of these causes and take preventive measures to minimize the chance of athlete’s foot.

What to do for persistent athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot can be both uncomfortable and frustrating. If the condition persists despite attempts at treatment, it is important to consider a more targeted and intensive approach. Below are some steps you can take for persistent athlete’s foot:

Consult a doctor or dermatologist: For persistent or recurring athlete’s foot, it is advisable to seek medical advice. A specialist can assess the condition and prescribe a more effective treatment.

Antifungal creams and ointments: These are available by prescription or over-the-counter. A doctor may prescribe a stronger variant if the over-the-counter products have not proven effective.

Oral anti-athlete’s foot medication: For very persistent cases, an oral antifungal medication such as terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed. These medications are only available by prescription and have potential side effects, so they are usually only used if other treatments are not effective.

Stay consistent with the treatment: It is crucial to continue the treatment for the full recommended duration, even if the symptoms disappear earlier. This reduces the risk of recurrence of the infection.

If the athlete’s foot keeps coming back despite consistent treatment and preventive measures, this may indicate an underlying health problem or another skin condition that resembles athlete’s foot. In such cases, it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.