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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

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

13. Bibliography
. "PubMed Health." U.S. National Library of Medicine. A.D.A.M, 5/13/ Web. 14 Feb <
. "Tinea Pedis." Medscape Reference. WebMD, Jan 24, Web. 14 Feb <
. "Athlete's Foot." MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc., n.d. Web. 14 Feb <
“Tinea Pedis.” Photograph. Google ImagesWeb. 14 Feb < pedis&gbv=2&oq=tinea pedis&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=1173l2590l0l2723l11l11l0l1l1l0l248l1239l5.3.2l10l0>.