Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot) Jeffrey Paneto A&P Block 4 2/14/2012

What is Tinea Pedis? Tinea Pedis is a term used referring to a dermatophyte infection on the soles of the feet and the interdigital spaces. Basically, it is a fungal infection commonly found of the foot, but can also be found on the palms, groin, and body. This fungal infection can be a short or long term infection, depending on the treatment and its effectiveness.

What causesTinea Pedis? Tinea Pedis occurs when a specific fungus grown on the skin of your feet. Risk of contracting Athlete’s Foot increases if: Wear closed shoes, especially if the shoes are lined with plastic Your feet are wet for a prolonged period of time Sweat a lot (that’s why its called ATHLETE’S FOOT) Develop a minor skin or nail injury

What Are The Symptoms? The most common sign of Athlete’s Foot is the crackling, flaking, and peeling of the side of the foot or between the toes. Others include: Red, itchy skin Burning/stinging pain Blisters that ooze or get crusty IF the infection spreads to the nail, then the symptoms are: Discoloration Becomes thick Can even crumble

How Can I Get Treated? Fortunately, your primary care doctor will be able to identify Tinea Pedis as soon as he/she sees the affected area’s skin. Tests may include: Skin Culture Skin Lesion Biopsy Skin Lesion KOH Exam However, over-the-counter antifungal powders and creams are available to help CONTROL the infection. If this occurs to you, be sure to continue using the powder/cream 1-2 weeks after the infection appears to have disappeared to prevent the infection from returning.

Treatment Continued Make sure to: Maintain your feet dry and clean, especially between the toes Clean your feet with SOAP and warm water and completely drying the area carefully. Perform this AT LEAST twice a day Wear clean, dry, cotton socks and change your socks as often as needed with the objective of keeping your feet DRY

Complications If the infection continuously returns or does not go away in 2-4 weeks, contact your primary care doctor so he can prescribe stronger antifungal medication You may need an antibiotic, due to the bacterial infections that can be caused by the scratching. Signs of this are PUS, DRAINAGE, and FEVER.

Is Tinea Pedis Contagious? Yes, Tinea Pedis is very contagious. It can be transferred through direct contact Also be passed through items such as shoes, stockings, showers, and pool surfaces.

How to PREVENT Tinea Pedis DRY yout feet thoroughly after bathing and swimming. WEAR sandals/flip flops at public pools and showers CHANGE socks repeatedly as often as needed with the goal of keeping your feet dry. Must be done AT LEAST once a day BUY and WEAR shoes that are very well ventilated, made of natural material such as leather, and try to alternate between shoes daily. AVOID plastic-lined shoes

Additional Information First reported case of Tinea Pedis was in 1908 by a doctor named Whitfield, who thought Tinea Pedis was a very rare infection caused by the same organism that produces Tinea Capitis, which is also known as Ringworm. First reported case in the US was in the 1920’s, which was found in soldiers returning from World War I This is NOT hard to believe, since Tinea Pedis originated in European Nations.

YOU READY TO SEE THE PICTURES? Are You Sure? Because I’m NOT.

Bibliography . "PubMed Health." U.S. National Library of Medicine. A.D.A.M, 5/13/2011.. Web. 14 Feb 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001878/>. . "Tinea Pedis." Medscape Reference. WebMD, Jan 24, 2012. Web. 14 Feb 2012. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1091684-overview>. . "Athlete's Foot." MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc., n.d. Web. 14 Feb 2012. <http://www.medicinenet.com/athletes_foot/article.htm>. “Tinea Pedis.” 1998. Photograph. Google ImagesWeb. 14 Feb 2012. <https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=659&q=tinea pedis&gbv=2&oq=tinea pedis&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=1173l2590l0l2723l11l11l0l1l1l0l248l1239l5.3.2l10l0>.