Athlete's Foot

Have you spotted some flaky toenails and a red itchy rash between your toes?

This could be athletes’ foot. Unfortunately you do not develop it because of too much exercise. Athlete’s foot is an extremely common skin disorder and is one of the most common and persistent fungal infections. The medical terms for athlete’s foot are: tinea pedis or dermatophytosis palmaris, plamtaros amd interdigitalis. The latter indicates that athletes’ food can occur on the soles and toes of the feet, as well as the palms of the hands. Infection may also appear on the nails. The parasites that cause these infections are called dermatophytes.

The dermatophytes live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails and outer skin layers. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm and moist areas. Susceptibility to this infection is increased by poor hygiene; tight-fitting footwear, prolonged moist skin (when the feet aren’t dried properly) and minor skin or nail injuries. The condition is contagious and can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, through towels and shoes.

Athlete’s foot can be diagnosed on the basis of the appearance of the foot. Your doctor may take a scrape for microscopy and culture.

Although the condition may disappear through being exposed to fresh air, medical treatment is usually treated. Oral or topical antifungal medication may be given, some are available over the counter, but for stronger medication a prescription is required.

What can you do yourself to treat the condition?

• 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.
• Unfortunately athlete’s foot may reoccur after treatment. It is vital to contact your GP if athlete’s foot symptoms do not respond to self-care measures.

Unfortunately athlete’s foot may reoccur after treatment. It is vital to contact your GP if athlete’s foot symptoms do not respond to self-care measures.

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For more information check out one of our favourite Straight-talking nutritionist Gillian McKeith