With a shocked face my patient expressed surprise at the fact that the beach shower stall was likely the cause of his problem. He exclaimed that many persons like himself probably never considered the fact that fungus and bacteria are present in public shower stalls, around pools, the gym, and inside your home. Being around footballers all the time, I am aware of some of the common habits regarding hygiene.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of fungal foot infection vary from person to person. However, common symptoms include:

• Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet
• Redness, blisters, or softening and breaking down of the skin
• Itching, burning, or both.

Types of Fungal Foot Infections

• Interdigital: Also called toe web infection, this is the most common kind of athlete’s foot. It usually occurs between the two smallest toes. This form of athlete’s foot can cause itching, burning, scaling, and the infection can spread to the sole of the foot.
• Moccasin: A moccasin-type infection can begin with a minor irritation, dryness, itching, or scaly skin. As it develops, the skin may thicken and crack. This infection can involve the entire sole of the foot, and extend onto the sides as well.
• Vesicular: This is the least common kind of fungal infection. The condition tends to begin with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Most often, the blisters develop on the underside of the foot. However, they also can appear between the toes, on the heel, or on the top of the foot.

Causes

Tinea Pedis or Athlete’s foot is caused by the same type of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes, and warm, humid conditions, favour the organisms’ growth, Athlete’s foot is contagious, and can be spread by contact with an infected person, or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.

Risk factors

You are at higher risk of fungal foot problems if you:

• Are a man
• Frequently wear damp socks or tight-fitting shoes
• Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection
• Walk barefoot in public areas, where the infection can spread; such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths, and showers.

Complications

 Your fungal foot infection can spread to other parts of your body, including:

• Your hand –People who scratch or pick at the infected parts of their feet may develop a similar infection in one of their hands.
• Your nails –The fungi associated with athlete’s foot can also infect your toenails, a location that tends to be more resistant to treatment.
• Your groin –Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that results in athlete’s foot. It’s common for the infection to spread from the feet to the groin, as the fungus can travel on your hands or on a towel.

 Prevention

 These tips can help you avoid fungal foot infections, or ease the symptoms if infection occurs:

• Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes.Wear open toe footwear to let your feet air out as much as possible, when you’re home. Dry between your toes after a bath or shower.
• Change socks daily.If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day.
• Wear light, well-ventilated shoes.Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber.
• Alternate your shoes.Don’t wear the same pair every day; that gives them time to dry after each use.
• Protect your feet in public places.Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers, and lockers rooms.
• Treat your feet.Use powder or spray, preferably antifungal, on your feet daily.
• Don’t share shoes.Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.

Treatment

Topical antifungals are needed; however, oral is required at times. Visit your podiatrist to be assessed, and for a treatment plan to be devised.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!