Tinea Pedis AKA Athlete"s Foot - Caused by Fungus
Athlete's foot is a caused by a fungus known as Tinea Pedis.
It is the most common fungal infection in humans.
Estimates indicate that at least 60-70 percent of individuals acquire the athlete's foot fungus at some point in their lives.
The fungus is typically acquired by direct contact physically or from the use of personal care items such as towels, deodorants, creams, razors, shoes, etc.
The fungus thrives in moist and warm environments that are commonly produced when wearing certain types of shoe wear, frequenting swimming pools, changing rooms, massage parlors, etc.
Athlete's foot typically effects adults and is quite rare in children.
Tinea Pedis can affect the foot in various ways: - It may present as a dry scaly rash on the sole of the foot.
- Sometimes the infection may present as a dry scaly rash on the entire foot, especially around the heels and the soles.
Because it is dry it is often mistaken for eczema.
- Athlete's foot can also occur in between the toe web spaces, especially the 3rd and 4th digits.
The infection here is typically wet and may have an odor.
- When neglected, athlete's foot can also present with blisters or pimples along the sides of the feet.
- Sometimes, obvious round dry ring like patches may be seen.
When athlete's foot is untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and also be transmitted to other members of the family.
The typical symptoms of the Tinea Pedis include an itch which can be quite intense.
The itchiness may be constant and worse when the weather is warm.
Burning sensation is often felt when the infection has been neglected.
This burning sensation is often worse when the foot is wet.
Peeling of the skin, cracks and tiny amounts of bleeding from the skin surface are also commonly seen.
These symptoms are commonly mistaken for eczema or dermatitis.
Risk factors: Tinea Pedis is a very durable fungus and can persist on wet floors for months.
This is a common scenario at swimming pools and changing rooms.
Individuals who walk barefoot on community floors or share personal care items are at the highest risk for acquiring this fungus.
In most cases, the fungus will not thrive on the foot if the wetness is eliminated.
However, if the individual continues to wear tight fitting shoes with little aeration, the humid environment plus sweat encourages the fungus to grow.
Wearing the same dirty socks for prolonged periods and sweating excessively are other features which make the fungus thrive.
Most people never think of a fungus when they have persistent itch on the feet.
It is always initially mistaken for eczema.
The diagnosis is typically made by a physician.
The diagnosis involves scrapping off from the skin and viewing it under a microscope.
There are no other unnecessary tests required to make the diagnosis.
It is the most common fungal infection in humans.
Estimates indicate that at least 60-70 percent of individuals acquire the athlete's foot fungus at some point in their lives.
The fungus is typically acquired by direct contact physically or from the use of personal care items such as towels, deodorants, creams, razors, shoes, etc.
The fungus thrives in moist and warm environments that are commonly produced when wearing certain types of shoe wear, frequenting swimming pools, changing rooms, massage parlors, etc.
Athlete's foot typically effects adults and is quite rare in children.
Tinea Pedis can affect the foot in various ways: - It may present as a dry scaly rash on the sole of the foot.
- Sometimes the infection may present as a dry scaly rash on the entire foot, especially around the heels and the soles.
Because it is dry it is often mistaken for eczema.
- Athlete's foot can also occur in between the toe web spaces, especially the 3rd and 4th digits.
The infection here is typically wet and may have an odor.
- When neglected, athlete's foot can also present with blisters or pimples along the sides of the feet.
- Sometimes, obvious round dry ring like patches may be seen.
When athlete's foot is untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and also be transmitted to other members of the family.
The typical symptoms of the Tinea Pedis include an itch which can be quite intense.
The itchiness may be constant and worse when the weather is warm.
Burning sensation is often felt when the infection has been neglected.
This burning sensation is often worse when the foot is wet.
Peeling of the skin, cracks and tiny amounts of bleeding from the skin surface are also commonly seen.
These symptoms are commonly mistaken for eczema or dermatitis.
Risk factors: Tinea Pedis is a very durable fungus and can persist on wet floors for months.
This is a common scenario at swimming pools and changing rooms.
Individuals who walk barefoot on community floors or share personal care items are at the highest risk for acquiring this fungus.
In most cases, the fungus will not thrive on the foot if the wetness is eliminated.
However, if the individual continues to wear tight fitting shoes with little aeration, the humid environment plus sweat encourages the fungus to grow.
Wearing the same dirty socks for prolonged periods and sweating excessively are other features which make the fungus thrive.
Most people never think of a fungus when they have persistent itch on the feet.
It is always initially mistaken for eczema.
The diagnosis is typically made by a physician.
The diagnosis involves scrapping off from the skin and viewing it under a microscope.
There are no other unnecessary tests required to make the diagnosis.