What is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a foot infection caused by fungal spores.

The most common fungal spores that cause Tinea Pedis are:

        Trichophyton (T.) rubrum
        T. interdigitale, previously called T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale
        Epidermophyton floccosum

Causes

Athletes foot affects all ages but is more common in adults than children. The fungal spores survive months or years in bathrooms, changing rooms and swimming pools – Walking bare foot on a communal floor or simply sharing a towel can result in infection.

Those at higher risk of catching Tinea Pedis regularly use public pools and showers, wear the same pair of socks or shoes for long periods, wear closed in foot wear a lot and tend to have excessively sweaty feet.

Symptoms

General signs and symptoms of athletes foot include:

  • Dry flaky skin
  • Itchy patches of skin
  • Redness and cracking between toes

Athletes foot

Treatment: what can we do?

We diagnose and advise on the appropriate treatment. Athletes foot is usually treated with topical anti fungal agents such as Lamisil and Resolve cream (both available in our clinic), but if the treatment is unsuccessful, oral anti fungal medication from your doctor may be considered.

Book in a nail & skin appointment with us now.