Skin problems health centre

Skin conditions: Fungal infections of the skin

Fungal infections are common and include athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm and yeast infections.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a very common fungal infection of the foot. It causes peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores.

The fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, changing rooms and the floors of public showers. It is most common in the summer and in warm, humid climates. It occurs more often in people who wear tight shoes and who use public swimming pools.

What causes athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. There are at least four kinds of fungus that can cause athlete's foot. The most common of these is trichophyton rubrum.

What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?

Symptoms of athlete's foot vary from person to person. However, common symptoms include:

• Peeling, cracking and scaling of the feet
• Redness, blisters or softening and breaking down of the skin
• Itching, burning or both

Types of athlete's foot

• Interdigital: Also called toe-web infection, this is the most common kind of athlete's foot and usually occurs between the two smallest toes. It can cause itching, burning and scaling and the infection can spread to the sole of the foot.
• Moccasin: This moccasin-type infection can begin with a minor irritation, dryness, itching or scaly skin. As it develops, the skin may thicken and crack. This infection can involve the entire sole of the foot and extend onto the sides of the foot.
• Vesicular: This is the least common kind of athlete's foot. The condition usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Most often, the blisters develop on the underside of the foot. However, they also can appear between the toes, on the heel, or on the top of the foot.

How is athlete's foot diagnosed?

Not all itchy, scaly feet are infected with fungus. The most reliable way to diagnose the infection is for scrapings of your skin to be examined under a microscope for evidence of fungus. However, most doctors will diagnose the condition simply by examining the feet.

How is athlete's foot treated?

Athlete's foot is usually treated with antifungal creams. Severe cases may require oral medication (those taken by mouth). The feet must be kept clean and dry, as the fungus grows in moist environments.

How is athlete's foot prevented?

Preventive steps include wearing shower sandals in public showering areas, wearing shoes that allow the feet to breathe, and daily washing of the feet with soap and water. Drying the feet thoroughly and using a quality foot powder can also help.