TREATING ATHLETE’S FOOT

Our health writer, Jackie Mitchell, chats to an expert.

ATHLETE’S FOOT – or tinea pedis – is a common fungal infection which affects the feet. The usual symptoms are an itchy, scaly rash in between the toes.

Small lumps, marks or bubbles of fluid called vesicles may develop and there may be flaking skin.

“These symptoms may affect one or both feet to varying degrees and will often be around the toes, in the arch of the foot or up the sides of the foot,” Emma Mcconnachie from the Royal College of Podiatry says.

“Left untreated, this may lead to the onset of a nail infection.

“This can cause the toenail to develop a yellow, orange or brown discolouration and may cause thickening or flaking of the nail.

“Once it has reached the toenail, it is much trickier to treat and professional advice is recommended.”

The condition is contagious and can be picked up by walking barefoot in communal facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and changing-rooms.

“Those with sweaty feet are more prone to the condition,” Emma adds.

It’s always best to treat it as soon as symptoms are first noticed.

“For many, an application of an over the counter athlete’s foot product will effectively treat the infection,” Emma advises. “These are available as single or multi-application products.

“Common mistakes made when treating the feet are to only treat the area that appears to have the infection and not all of the feet.

“Ensure you treat both feet and treat all potentially infected areas.

“Make sure to complete the course of treatment as the spores are hardy.”

The condition will usually clear up within two to four weeks of treatment.

“The mistake most people make is to stop their hygiene regime, shoe rotation and medication once their symptoms have gone,” Emma says.

“Reinfection is common, so avoid walking barefoot or wearing shoes barefoot to reduce the chance of exposure.

“If you have a persistent case, then contact a podiatrist to discuss treatments and causes.

“If the fungus has spread to your toenails, then you need to contact a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.”

There are several steps you can take to avoid athlete’s foot. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, and don’t share towels with other people.

“This is sound advice even if you don’t have a fungal infection, as many foot infections are spread in this way,” Emma explains.

Make sure to dry properly between your toes after bathing and avoid applying moisturiser between your toes.

If the skin gets too moist it can split and allow infection in.

Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row, too.

“This allows the moisture to dissipate and makes your shoes a less friendly environment for fungus to grow in,” Emma adds.

Visit www.rcpod.org.uk for more information. ■

Keep your feet clean and dry