We’ve all heard of athlete’s foot, but what about its scientific name: Tinea Pedis? Tinea Pedis is a rash on the skin of the foot, the most common fungal skin infection to be exact. The condition is caused by a fungus that grows on (or even in) the top layer of the skin. The fungi that causes Tinea Pedis grows in warm, wet places (like between the toes).
This condition spreads rather easily, it’s extremely contagious. Most likely, people receive athlete’s foot by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near communal swimming pools, showers, or gym locker rooms. If your shoes are air tight, the fungi will continue to grow.
Tinea Pedis can make your feet and the area between the toes incessantly burn and itch. The skin of those areas may peel and crack. There are three types of athlete’s foot, and the symptoms might vary depending on the type you have.
1. Toe web infection occurs usually between the fourth and the fifth toes, where the skin is scaly, peeling, and cracking.2. Moccasin type infection will start with some foot soreness and then progress to thick and cracked skin on the bottom of the heal. In the worst cases, toenails can become infected and potentially fall out3. Vesicular type infection begins with an abrupt outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin of the bottom of the foot. This type of athlete’s foot also is also classified as a bacterial infection
If you experience any of these conditions, make an appointment with Dr. Forman to check your feet. If Dr. Forman concludes that you have athlete’s foot, he will give you a series of topicals to apply to the infected area that will decrease the infection. For bad cases, Dr. Forman may prescribe a pill to alleviate the condition. Your foot will also need to be kept in a clean and dry.
To prevent another infection, make sure to wear shower shoes in public places many people are barefoot, or use talcum powder to keep your feet dry. And make sure to wash your foot as to keep it clean. With these preventative methods, your risk of getting athlete’s foot will be extremely small.