Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is one of the most common forms of skin infection and affects approx. 10% of the population. Adult men are most frequently affected, while athlete's foot in children is uncommon. The fungus thrives in moist and warm environments, and infection usually occurs in public places such as in changing rooms and showers.

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a superficial fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. The most common types of dermatophytes that cause athlete's foot belong to the genera Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. The fungal infection is most often located between two toes (usually between the little toe and the toe next to it), but it can also spread to other places on the feet and to the toenails. The palms and fingers can also be affected.

How is athlete's foot infected?

Athlete's foot is not usually part of our normal skin flora. Athlete's foot can spread from person to person, but indirect infection is most common in places where people walk barefoot, in swimming pools, showers and changing rooms. The fungus thrives best in moist, warm and dense environments. The risk of the fungus multiplying increases if you wear shoes or socks that make your feet moist and warm.

Symptoms

• Flaking and cracking of the skin, especially between the little toe and the next toe

• Itch

• Red, swollen and dry skin

• Fluid-filled blisters

• Thick and discolored (yellow) nails (onychomycosis)

Most often, you only experience some of the symptoms, and some people have athlete's foot without knowing it. Athlete's foot can be confused with atopic winter feet in children (juvenile plantar dermatosis), psoriasis and eczema.

Preventive advice against athlete's foot

• Keep your feet dry

• Wash your feet daily and let them dry well (especially between the toes) before putting on shoes and socks

• Change socks daily and when they become damp

• Use cotton or wool socks

• Go barefoot when you have the opportunity

• Avoid tight shoes and boots if possible

• Wear swimming shoes in public wet rooms