by Glendris Holder
Well moisturized feet are not the problem. In fact, they are more appealing. Moisture only becomes an issue when it gets trapped in the tight areas of your feet, where there is little to no airflow. When ignored, this creates a perfect environment for fungus to thrive.
Every day, many individuals step into the shower, take a bath, wash their feet, step out, dry off, and forget to dry the most vulnerable area – between the toes. What is left behind is not just water, but a warm, dark, moist breeding ground for dermatophytes, the organisms responsible for a highly contagious fungal infection known as Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot).
There are three types of Tinea Pedis:
- Interdigital – between the toes
- Moccasin – on the soles of the feet
- Vesicular – pustular blisters on the soles of the foot that often contain a greenish pus-like fluid.
Today, we will focus on Interdigital Tinea Pedis. This form develops as moisture remains trapped between the toes. The skin begins to soften, break down, and become susceptible to infection.
Some common sources of exposure to Tinea Pedis include, but are not limited to:
1. Pools and gym facilities
2. Shared bathrooms
3. Shared shoes and socks
4. Hotel carpets
5. Airport security checkpoints
6. Unsanitized and improperly disinfected pedicure tubs, stations, and tools,
7. Contact with contaminated water from streets, drains, etc.
If any of the following symptoms are present, you are advised to seek a foot care professional or your medical practitioner:
1. Itching, burning, or discomfort between the toes.
2. Rough, flaky skin, or peeling skin.
3. Rashes, blisters, or cracking of the skin between the toes.
4. Persistent, unpleasant odor.
5. Whitening and sogginess of the skin between the toes.
Tinea Pedis is highly contagious. It can spread wherever an infected person goes, such as by walking barefoot, to the toenails if left untreated, or to other areas of the body through scratching the infected area. Once professional care is sought, treatment may include debridement of the affected area, followed by the consistent application of a topical antifungal. In some cases, a 14 or 21-day course of oral antifungal medication may be prescribed.
Preventing and managing fungal infections of the feet, especially Tinea Pedis, requires intentional and consistent care. You’re advised to adopt the following habits:
1. Inspect your feet daily.
2. Wash feet regularly and clean shoes frequently.
3. Dry between the toes thoroughly using tissue and dispose of immediately. Avoid using towels or rags.
4. Ensure bath mats are hung to dry after each use.
5. Avoid sharing shoes or trying on footwear without your own socks or prepackaged disposable socks.
6. Wear clean socks or stockings daily.
7. Wear socks that are made of antimicrobial fabrics.
8. Rotate footwear daily to allow adequate drying time before the next wear.
9. Choose open-toed or breathable footwear.
If the nature of your job does not permit this, the following steps 1 to 8 should help to eliminate and prevent
the fungus.
Join me again next week for another PediPolitix™, your weekly educational column dedicated to increasing awareness about foot and nail health, prevention methods, and the importance of professional care.
For professional foot and nail care, contact Leb’Elle Foot and Nail Clinic at
1784-491-3338.