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The PHARMACIST talks about …

Tinea - Athlete's Foot

Tinea is a group of fungal infections caused by fungus of different varieties.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot caused by parasites on the skin called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes can be divided into three groups according to their favourite hosts:

• fungi preferring soil (geophile)
• fungi preferring animals (zoophile) and
• fungi preferring humans (anthropophile).

Athlete's foot is usually caused by anthropophile fungi. The most common species are Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton. These account for 90 per cent of all skin fungal infections, commonly referred to as ringworm.

The medical terms for athlete's foot are tinea pedis or dermatophytosis palmaris, plantaris and interdigitalis - the latter indicates that, in addition to the soles and toes of the feet, the palms of the hands can also become infected.

What causes it?

We all have one or more of the fungi that can cause athlete's foot on our bodies. They feed on dead skin cells and are usually harmless.

Athlete's foot is a common condition in young people and adults. The fungi love warm, moist places with the result they are primarily a problem for people who wear tight-fitting trainers or don't dry their feet properly.

The condition is contagious and is caused by one of the most common fungi.. It can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact and indirectly through towels, shoes, floors, etc.

What are the symptoms?

• A red itchy rash in the spaces between the toes (often between the 4th and 5th toes initially)
• possibly small pustules
• Often a small degree of scaling.
• The infection can spread to the rest of the foot and other parts of the body.

Who is at increased risk?

Young people (especially if they wear trainers), athletes and people who are forced to wear tight-fitting rubber footwear because of their job.

What can be done at home?

Wash the feet every day and allow them to dry properly before putting on shoes and socks. You should use a separate towel to dry your feet. To avoid passing the infection on you should not share these towels with anyone else.

Wear socks made of cotton or wool, and change them at least twice a day or when they have become damp.

Avoid wearing shoes which are made of synthetic materials. Wear sandals or leather shoes instead.

Powder the feet and the inside of the shoes with an antifungal powder.

How is athlete's foot treated?

Athlete's foot can be treated locally with antifungal creams, sprays, liquids and powders that are available from pharmacists without a prescription. Treatment should be continued for two weeks after the symptoms have disappeared to ensure the infection has been treated effectively.

For further advice on treatment options, come in and talk to one of our Pharmacists at your most convenient Healthpoint Chemist.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.