Tinea Pedis Infection
Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is a condition where fungus grows between your toes and on other areas of your foot. Your body naturally has bacteria and fungus. However, in the right environment, such as an abundance of moisture, fungus can grow rapidly and multiply, leading to an infection. Once you develop athlete's foot, you will feel itching and burning on your feet.
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Causes
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According to the Mayo Clinic, dermatophytes are the culprit behind tinea pedis. Dermatophytes are a mold-type fungus. In the first stage of an infection, the dermatophytes will cause excess skin cells to grow. The accumulated cells will begin to push their way to the skin's surface. As a result, your skin becomes scaly. As the fungi begin to spread, your skin will produce more scaly patches, which can advance over your entire foot.
Growth
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In order for the fungi to grow, they need a damp environment. When you wear tight shoes, they can push your toes close together, creating an environment that is moist, humid and warm, especially between your toes. If you wear socks with running shoes or athletic shoes, this can be a hospitable atmosphere for fungal growth.
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Contagion
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Athlete's foot is easily spread. You can develop an infection through skin-to-skin contact: coming into contact with someone who is infected. You also can develop an infection from contact with floors. Athlete's foot is notorious for breeding in areas such as public pools, locker rooms and saunas. If you walk barefoot around a public area, you can easily pick up a fungal infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, you also can develop a fungal infection from your pet.
Symptoms
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When you develop tinea pedis, your skin will begin to crack and peel, especially between your toes. You will feel intense itching and burning, which is worse between the toes. If the athlete's foot is severe, you may have blisters that are oozing or crusty. The skin between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet may become excessively dry. The fungus can spread to your nails, which will cause them to become thick, discolored and ragged and possibly pull away from their nail beds.
Complications
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Athlete's foot can lead to what is known as a secondary infection. This means that the fungus can create an antibody that kills off healthy bacteria. As a result, more resistant bacteria will develop and grow, potentially causing the breakdown of tissue. The skin between your toes can become soggy and may erode into painful sores. You also can develop an allergic reaction to an athlete's foot infection. According to Medline Plus, you will notice symptoms developing on your heels, palms or between your fingers. This reaction is known as a dermatophytid reaction.
Treatment
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Many over-the counter-products such as Lamisil offer relief for athlete's foot. Severe cases, however, may need a stronger prescription from your physician. You may need antibiotics to fight off a secondary infection, and steroid ointments or compresses to help soggy skin.
As a preventative measure, always keep you feet dry, especially between your toes. Wear natural materials, such as cotton. If you sweat, change your socks regularly. Wear shoes when you go into public areas such as pools or saunas. If you have athlete's foot, use an antifungal powder in your shoes.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Falloonb: wikimedia.org, CDC/Dr. Libero Ajello: wikimedia.org, Ellington: wikimedia.org, Kibbledoode1411:wikimedia.org
