ATHLETE’S FOOT (TINEA PEDIS)

WHAT IS ATHLETE’S FOOT?

            Athlete's foot, also known as TINEA PEDIS, is an infectious fungus on foot. It can also affect the toes and hands. Because it is most commonly observed among sports, the illness is known as Athlete's foot.

           It is especially common among those who have sweaty feet as a result of wearing tight-fitting shoes. Athlete's foot is not a serious condition, but it can be difficult to treat, especially in people who are immunocompromised or have a history of diabetes.

SYMPTOMS:

           Athletes foot is characterised by a scaly red rash that appears between the toes. Itching is usually worse shortly after you take off your shoes or socks. Blisters and ulcers are also common side effects. Chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that spreads up the side of the foot are symptoms of the moccasin type of athlete's foot. It's easy to confuse it with eczema or dry skin. If you scarp or pick the diseased area from your foot, the illness can spread to your hands.

WHEN TO SEE DOCTOR?

·                           If a rash on your foot persists after two weeks of self-care, you should consult a doctor. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor if you develop any secondary bacterial infection signs, such as increased redness, swelling, discharge, or fever.

WHAT CAUSES ATHLETE’S FOOT?

           TINEA, a fungus that grows on the feet, causes athlete's foot. The fungus can be contracted by direct contact or through contact with fungus-infected areas. The fungus grows best in a warm, humid environment. Showers, locker room floors, and swimming pools are all frequent places to find it.

HOW IS ATHLETE’S FOOT DIAGNOSED?

         A doctor can either diagnose athlete's foot based on symptoms or order a skin test. The potassium hydroxide test is most commonly used to check for athlete's foot. In this test, a piece of diseased skin is immersed in KOH. KOH kills normal cells but leaves fungal cells alone, which can be viewed under a microscope.

ATHLETE'S FOOT TREATMENT:

           Over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal medicine is commonly used to treat athlete's foot. If over-the-counter antifungal medications don't work, your doctor may prescribe an oral prescription-strength antifungal medicine.

WHO IS AT RISK?

           Athlete's foot can affect anyone, but specific circumstances can make it more likely. Factors that raise the risk include:

• Visiting public areas while barefooted
• Having sweaty feet is a common occurrence.
• Socks for everyone
• Putting on shoes that are too tight
• Having a minor skin or nail injury on your feet

PREVENTIONS:

            Anyone can get athlete's foot, but some factors make it more likely. The following are some of the factors that increase the risk:

• Walking around barefoot in public places
• It's not uncommon to have sweaty feet.
• Everyone needs socks.
• Putting on shoes that are too small for you
• If you have a minor skin or nail damage on your foot, you should seek medical attention immediately.

DO IT ALL! Stay safe