Common Ailments

ATHLETES FOOT

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a very common skin infection caused by a fungus.

It most often affects the skin between the toes, making it flaky, cracked, red or sore. In some people the skin becomes very sore and may even bleed.

The space between the fourth and fifth toes is the most commonly affected and if untreated it can spread to the toenails and adjacent areas of the foot.

Cracks in the skin sometimes lead to a more serious secondary bacterial infection. There are several fungi present on our skin. Under normal conditions these fungi cause no problems and go unnoticed. However, under certain conditions the fungi are able to multiply and cause infection in warm moist closed environments such as the toes.

Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread from person to person through direct contact either by a cut or abrasion of the foot or indirectly through towels, walking barefoot in places such as changing rooms at swimming pools. Adults are more likely than children to get athlete's foot, and men get it more often than women.

TREATMENT

There are various creams (for use directly on the feet), powders (for use in shoes and socks) and sprays (for use directly on the feet and sprayed in shoes) available over the counter to treat athlete's foot.

Imidazole creams such as Miconazole and Clotrimazole work by killing the fungus and need to be applied until the skin seems to be back to normal and then for a further two weeks to eradicate all the remaining fungal spores.

Topical terbinafine cream requires only 1 to 2 weeks of treatment but is more expensive than Imidazole creams.

Tolnaftates act by reducing the growth of fungus and can be used in conjunction with Imidazole creams.

Salicylic and Benzoic acid combined are able to penetrate the skin by removing hard surface skin. If symptoms do not improve it is advisable to see your Doctor who may prescribe antifungal tablets particularly if the infection has spread to the nails.

Diabetics are more prone to developing an infection in addition to athlete's foot and should always consult a GP.

PREVENTION

The tips below may be useful for anybody who has athlete's foot or who finds that the infection keeps coming back:

• Wash and dry your feet daily, particularly between the toes
• Try to not let your feet get sweaty and avoid wearing thick socks or tight shoes in warm weather
• Change your socks or tights daily and wear socks and shoes made from natural materials
• Wear plastic shoes or flip flops in public showers, changing rooms and around pools
• Do not share towels
• Air your feet as often as you can
• Avoid re-infection

For further advice on athlete's foot contact your Numark Pharmacist.