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By Dr. Thomas Buividas
Tinea Pedis foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot. It is also known as Athlete’s Foot. Dermatophytes are the fungal agents responsible for these infections. The most common form of fungal infection, these infections can be acute or chronic.
Acute Tinea Pedis usually has symptoms such as itching, burning and blisters, while chronic Tinea Pedis can be with out these symptoms. Fungal infected toenails are most often associated with chronic and re-occurring Tinea Pedis. The acute form can present with moist scaling around the sloes of the feet or between the toes. Often there are small blisters filled with clear fluid and cracks or fissures present. As the blister break the fungus spreads but the fungus can also spread between the layers of the skin. In addition to the blisters it is not unusual to develop pinkish red circular lesions on the top or bottom of the foot; if found elsewhere on the body the lesions are called by there common name ringworm.
Can Tinea Pedis be Dangerous?
Often a bacterial infection will secondarily infect the fungal damaged skin; this is especially dangerous in immune compromised individuals. Immune compromised individuals can include some of the elderly, diabetics and people with peripheral arterial disease.
How is Tinea Pedis Diagnosed?
The actual clinical presentation is often very revealing and should raise a high suspicion of the dermatophyte infection. The most common way diagnosis is made is by use of a skin scraping to perform a microscopic examination with a KOH prep test. This examination reveals hyphae the telltale appearance of a fungal infection. In addition to this test a fungal culture is often performed in an attempt to grow and actually identify the actual organism responsible for the infection. Fungus cultures grow relatively slow and may take three to six weeks to get an accurate diagnosis.
How is Tinea Pedis Treated?
Treatment for Tinea Pedis should be aimed at eradication of the offending fungal organisms. Since the fungus grows well in dark moist areas it is beneficial to provide light and air. Sandals as opposed to enclosed shoes are recommended. Leather shoes as opposed to synthetic materials help because leather is porous and allow air to the feet; the leather shoes also dry more readily. Alternating shoes daily allow the shoes to dry out. Adsorbent antifungal powders should be applied into the shoes. Itching and burning often accompany the blisters and may cause considerable distress. The acute distress can often be helped by opening and draining lesions. Cool compresses or soaks often help. Over the counter anti-histamines can be helpful with itching and burning. Over the counter anti-fungal topical medications may be tried as directed, but these are often ineffective and prescription antifungal topical medications are needed. In recalcitrant cases oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine or griseofulvin are used.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Buividas,
Archer Foot and Ankle Clinic,
4554 S. Archer Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60632.
http://www.ArcherFootAndAnkle.com
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This page created 28 Sep 2011 00:56
Last updated 18 Oct 2011 19:51
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