Athlete's Foot

What is Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)?

Athlete's foot (also known as Tinea Pedis) is a skin infection which is commonly thought to occur amongst athletes and those who wear trainers and other non-breathable footwear.

Athlete's Foot is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton, which thrives in warm, moist environments. Usually it affects the surface of the toes and the spaces between them, but it can also affect the soles of the feet.

Athlete's foot is contagious, but for the fungus to spread the foot must provide the right conditions. It is easily spread, due to the fact it can be spread by both direct and indirect contact. Indirect contact can include things such as sharing towels and socks, or walking barefoot in communal changing areas.

Athlete's foot can be contracted by anyone, although it is more common in teenagers and men. The name 'Athlete's Foot' arose from its prevalence among active sportspeople. The exact reason for this is not known, but it is often attributed to the wearing of enclosed footwear, which can become very hot and sweaty. It is likely that another important factor is the sharing of communal changing or shower areas at pools, health clubs and sports centers.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot:

• Itching or burning sensations in the affected area.
• Flaking or peeling skin is often present.
• Particuarly mild cases can be manifested with the appearance of dry skin.
• In more severe cases, blisters or thick patches of red skin may be present.
• In extreme cases the skin may crack and result in bleeding.

Treatment of Athlete's Foot:

What can the athlete do?

• Make the area unsuitable for the fungus to grow by keeping the area clean and dry.
• Breathable shoes and absorbent cotton socks are reccomended
• Treat the infection with anti-fungal creams, powders or washes, many of which are available from your local pharmacist. This treatment should continue until you have been symptom-free for at least a week.

What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?

• Prescribe oral anti-fungal medication.

Preventing Athlete's Foot

• Wear leather shoes, or open shoes if they are suitable.
• Be sure to regularly wash and dry your feet thoroughly
• Ensure your feet at properly dried by using powders such as Talcum Powder or an Anti-Fungal Powder
• Wear sandals or flip-flops in communal changing areas and showers, etc.
• Wear cotton socks, and make sure to wash and change them regularly.

Please visit the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Athletes Foot and other foot conditions.