Tinea Pedis, more commonly known as Athletes Foot, is a superficial fungal infection of the foot. It presents as scaling and blisters in the webbing between the toes and results in extreme itching and pain, especially when walking. It is most common in teenage and adult males.

Most healthy people have a fairly high resistance to fungal infections, but a weakening in their resistance due to genetic factors, damaged skin, long-term antibiotic use, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, may leave the otherwise-healthy more susceptible to developing tinea.

Tinea of the foot typically starts in the webbing between the third and fourth toes. If left untreated it may spread to the nails. An accumulation of sweat between the toes, which cannot evaporate, will lead to the skin becoming soggy and white, and fissures in the skin may also form.

Tinea developing elsewhere on the foot, especially the soles, results in the skin becoming red, scaly and thickened. Fluid-filled blisters—which tend to be extremely itchy—may also develop. Scratching of the infected area will result in the condition being spread further.

Continuous shedding of the skin of the feet makes tinea pedis highly contagious, as fungal-infected debris is left lying in communal areas. These shed skin scales may remain infectious in the environment for months or years, as they tend to be harbored in carpets and matting. For this reason, tinea pedis tends to be chronic in nature. The fungus may lie dormant in the toe webbing for many years with its presence only becoming apparent when it spreads to another site—usually the groin or skin.

Treatment of the fungal infection at other sites is futile unless the original infection in the toe webbing is first dealt with. Acute superficial tinea pedis may often be successfully treated with an over-the-counter topical antifungal cream. However, chronic conditions where reinfection is occurring will require a more powerful oral antifungal.

It is important to remember that the infected, shed scales of skin, left lying dormant in carpets and matting, pose a risk to others who may also become infected with the fungal condition. It is therefore necessary to ensure that all areas that have been exposed to the shed fungal skin be thoroughly cleaned regularly until the skin condition has been completely cured.

The old saying is so true for tinea pedis: it is much easier to prevent this condition than to cure it. The following simple hygiene rules will help to prevent the development of Tinea of the feet:

• Keep the feet as dry as possible and ensure the feet are well dried after showering.
• Use talc on the feet to help ensure the skin is dry.
• Change shoes and socks regularly.
• Wear open sandals or bare feet when possible.
• Avoid nylon socks, as they will increase sweating.
• Wear flip-flops / shower shoes in communal showers and bathrooms.
• Don’t share towels, shoes or socks.