Athlete’s Foot 101
Tinea pedis, aka athlete’s foot, is the most common fungal infection. It appears as redness and flaking on the soles and sides of the feet and also between the toes. Some patients complain of itching, but for others it is asymptomatic. Although tinea pedis is most common in teenagers and adults, children can also get it.
What causes athlete’s foot?
The fungus can be picked up from walking barefoot around public bathrooms, swimming pools, and gyms. It can also be transferred from the feet to the hands and groin area, resulting in “jock itch,” or extend directly to toenails, resulting in toenail fungus.
How is it diagnosed?
Tinea pedis can be diagnosed by clinical exam only. The diagnosis can be confirmed by scraping dead skin from the foot and looking under the microscope for fungus. This test is referred to as a potassium hydroxide preparation (KOH) and is frequently performed in the dermatology office.
What are treatment options?
There are multiple over-the-counter options for treatment. Your dermatologist can also prescribe an antifungal cream to be applied once or twice a day for several weeks to months. Prescription oral antifungal medications are also very effective and more convenient for some patients. Though treatments offer relief and are generally successful, patients should be aware that recurrences of tinea pedis are common.
How can I prevent athlete’s foot?
The best way to prevent getting tinea pedis is to wear sandals or flip flops—instead of going barefoot—in public areas such as swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms.
If you ever had tinea pedis, the best way to avoid recurrence is to apply antifungal cream to your feet once a week. This will help eradicate any fungus that you might pick up.
Any questions? Consult one of our board-certified dermatologists. Please contact SSDP to schedule an appointment with any of our physicians.
