Tinea Pedis

Tinea Pedis General Information

Tinea Pedis is the generic medical term given to a parasitic infection of the outer layers of the skin, and it may be caused by several dermatophytes, several types of fungi, the most common of which being a fungus called Trichophyton. The fungi typically inhabit the skin without causing any harm, however when the feet are constantly warm, moist and irritated, the fungi may become aggressive and infect the area. In most cases, the infection occurs between the toes but it has been noted that the infection may extend to the bottom and sides of the foot, in a “moccasin” pattern. This affection is more commonly known under the name of athlete’s foot.

The fungi that may cause Tinea Pedis are commonly found in many locations, such as the floors in locker rooms, gyms, swimming pools and nail salons; they are also often found in clothing, and can be transmitted from one person to another – however they are not able to infect the patient’s skin without the proper growth conditions – warmth and moisture. This is a very common condition, affecting up to 15% of the U.S. population, and is more widely spread among males than females. It is the second most common dermatologic affection, after acne, and it has been estimated that up to 70% of the entire population may suffer from this condition at some point in their lives.

Tinea Pedis Symptoms

The symptoms associated with Tinea Pedis are easily recognized and diagnosed by a specialized health care professional. In most cases, the affection is characterized by the appearance of red areas of dry skin, which frequently peels. This may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching or burning sensations in that particular location. Severe cases have been noted, where cracking of the skin was present and where the affection was accompanied by pain and bleeding.

There are three types of Tinea Pedis. The most common of them is the interdigital type, which occurs between the toes of the affected patient and most commonly between the fourth and fifth toes. The second type is present when the infection spreads to the sole and sides of the foot, and may even involve the upper parts of the foot – this is called the “moccasin” type. In rare cases, the affected areas may present blisters, large or small; this type of the affection is the blistering type, or bulbous Tinea Pedis.

A specialized health care professional will be able to place the diagnosis immediately by examining the affected area. It is highly advised that you seek advice from a health care specialist as soon as you begin experiencing any of the above symptoms, or any other symptoms that are uncommon and / or bothersome. Please keep in mind that in some patients, the affection does not cause any symptoms. Once the diagnose is placed, the consulting health care specialist will provide you with a treatment most appropriate to your case, age, medical history and general health condition.

Tinea Pedis Treatment

Once Tinea Pedis has been diagnosed, the examining health care specialist will often advise towards the appliance of a two-step therapy in fighting the infection. The first part of the therapy is aimed at transforming the affected area so that it is no longer suitable for the fungus to grow and replicate; that is typically accomplished by teaching the patient what are the elements that favor the growth of the fungus, and how to ensure that those factors are no longer present. In most cases, this refers to keeping the area clean and dry, and ensuring that the footwear allows breathing in order to prevent heat and moisture.

In this part of the treatment, medicated powders such as Tolnaftate and Miconazole may be employed in order to help fight the Tinea Pedis fungus, and to keep the area dry. Soaking the feet in an Aluminum Acetate drying solution is also often recommended, and in some cases a homemade similar solution of diluted vinegar (one part vinegar in four parts water) may be employed. Such soaks should be used one or two times daily, for 10 minutes each, in order to obtain the best results.

The second part of the Tinea Pedis treatment consists of actively fighting the fungus. In order to accomplish this, the examining health care specialist may prescribe a variety of antifungal washes or creams, such as Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine or Ketoconazole. In more advanced cases, oral antifungal drug treatment may be employed. Fluconazole, Itraconazole or Terbafine may be prescribed for intake over a two or three week period. Before prescribing oral medication, the examining health care specialist may perform some blood tests in order to ensure that the patient does not suffer from any conditions (particularly any liver affections) that may prevent him or her from undergoing oral antifungal treatment. Also, as some of the antifungal drugs may interact with other medication, it is highly advised that the patient informs the prescribing health care specialist of any other medication he or she is currently taking.

Treatment for Tinea Pedis should be continued for up to four weeks after the symptoms recede, in order to ensure that the fungus is completely eliminated and to prevent any recurrence of the infection. It is highly advised that in cases of Tinea Pedis, the patient avoids any use of topical corticosteroid creams. These do not have any positive action in treating the affection; on the contrary, they may act as a fertilizer for the fungus and thus may actually worsen the infection. In cases where the infection has spread to the toenails, the examining health care professional will also prescribe a treatment for these in order to prevent the infection from re-occurring. Treatment for the nails should be employed at the same time with the general treatment – although the therapy for nail fungus may last much longer (up to three or four months) and is generally more intensive. Typically, it also relies mostly on oral antifungal drugs; however the treatment may vary from one patient to another. It is highly advised that the patient consults the examining health care specialist regarding the possibility of such a nail infection, and to obtain the treatment most appropriate for her age, medical history and general health condition.