Is it Athlete’s Foot, or Something Else?

That dry, itchy, burning feeling on your feet hasn't gone away in weeks. Is it athlete’s foot, or could it be something else?

Athlete’s foot is a common presentation to the podiatric physician. It is a fungal infection of the superficial skin layers, usually of the fungal genus Trychophyton, and is also called tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot. It causes flaking and scaling of the skin, which can lead to itching and other unpleasant sensations. It is common for tinea pedis to spread to other parts of the body, most notably the toenails. When the fungal infection spreads to the toenails (or it may originate at that location) it is known as onychomycosis. Tinea pedis and onychomycosis are a very common combination.

Athlete’s foot may be treated with a number of different pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions. Over-the-counter medications include tolnaftate (sold as Tinactin), miconazole nitrate, and terbinafine (sold as topical Lamisil). Oral medications are available by prescription. Regardless of the type of medication used, however, the timeline for curing tinea pedis can often last more than six weeks.

The fungal infection is transmitted via contact, typically in damp environments such as locker rooms and bathhouses. Preventative measures against tinea pedis can be taken by preventing contact with public surfaces. Wearing sandals or bath-shoes in areas like this can help, as well as washing the feet with soap and water, drying completely, and wearing absorbent cotton socks. Excessive sweating of the feet, or hyperhidrosis, is often associated with tinea pedis, due to the increase in moisture in the area.

However, not all that looks like athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. Blisters of the bottom of the foot, particularly diffuse blisters from chronic friction, can often look like tinea pedis. These friction blisters may come from poorly fitting shoes or sandals, and are often seen in runners.

Erythrasma is a bacterial infection of the skin between the toes that can look like tinea pedis. The two diagnoses are differentiated with the use of a Wood’s Lamp, as well as a culture of the area.

Some other conditions that may mimic athlete’s foot include psoriasis, candidiasis (also a fungal infection, but of a different genus), and allergic reactions.

Additionally, there are several different forms that tinea pedis may take. The inflammatory form of tinea pedis may show as small blister-like lesions on the foot, which are filled with either a clear or slightly opaque fluid. The blisters may pop and ooze, causing more pain. This form of tinea pedis should be dealt with aggressively, as the discontinuities of the skin can lead to infection.

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW. Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com