TINEA PEDIS (ATHLETES
FOOT)
This is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot. It is caused by a fungus but strive so well
in moist environment.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Poor personal hygiene especially of the shoes and socks can
provide a good condition for the fungus to grow. Touching the toes of infected
persons without proper hand washing can also predispose someone to this
condition.
SYMPTOMS
The skin becomes scaly, peels and cracks, in very severe cases
there is blister formation at the toe or underneath the sole of the leg.
There are itchy whitish lesions around the digits most commonly around the fourth and fifth toe.
TYPES
There are basically three different types of tinea pedis, the
classification is based on the clinical manifestation in the client.
·
Toe
web (inter-digital) infection- this type of fungal infection occurs in between
the toes at the 4th and 5th.
·
Moccasin
tinea pedis- this form causes scaly thickened skin on the sole of the feet.
·
Vesicular
tinea pedis- this the most severe form of tinea pedis, it causes blisters
around the foot but it can also develop around the toes.
PREVENTION
Wear sandals to allow air and moisture to escape from the
foot. Always keep the feet dry and clean to avoid creating a enabling environment
for the fungi to grow.
Use talcum powder whenever possible to keep the toes dry.
Always wear a cotton socks and change/ wash almost every day. Don not put on socks
that are wet.
TREATMENT
The course of treatment and management depends on the type
and severity of the infection. Topical creams can be used to achieve healing
over a long period of time. Over the counter drugs such as miconazole,
clotrinazole can be used. But severe cases (vesicular tinea pedis) should be
seen by the doctor and proper drug and treatment prescribed by the doctor. It
may be necessary to soak the legs in an antiseptic solution for 10 minutes,
clean properly before the application of topical creams
Re- infection is common, so treatment plans must be followed
as prescribed in other to achieve cure.
