Tinea pedis is a fungal infection that occurs on the feet. It typically causes red, cracked and itchy skin between the toes that may or may not include the sole of the foot. More commonly known as athlete’s foot, its medical name refers to infection of skin by a fungus, tinea and pedis, meaning foot.
How it’s diagnosed
A dermatologist often uses a potassium hydroxide solution to diagnose athlete’s foot. A scraping of the infected foot is placed on a microscope slide and a drop of potassium hydroxide is added. The solution causes the skin cells to dissolve, leaving only fungal cells intact, if present. The preparation is examined under a microscope by the dermatologist.
Tinea pedis can also be diagnosed by using a special light, known as Wood’s lamp, which will illuminate the fungal cells specifically when it’s shined upon the affected area.
Lastly, a sample can be scraped and sent to a microbiology lab for analysis by technologists. This process is the most specific, but also takes longer for results.
Treatment and Prevention
The dermatologist will likely prescribe a topical anti fungal treatment which will have to be applied to the affected toes. Sometimes, the dermatologist may additionally prescribe an oral anti fungal. If the infection appears to be widespread, an oral medication will attack the infection from inside as well as treating the outside with a cream or spray. The dermatologist will evaluate each case and determine what’s the best treatment for each patient.
Prevention is the best cure. Keeping feet dry is an important step. After bathing in pool or shower, drying feet completely and deliberately between toes is paramount. A white cotton towel is best to use. Avoid walking barefoot, especially in high traffic public areas, such as community pools and gyms. Always wear sandals or shoes in public when bathing and swimming. If a member of the family has acquired athlete’s foot, each family member should take care to use different towels and bath areas, if possible. It may be necessary to treat all members of the family while keeping an eye on symptoms. Athlete’s foot is quite contagious, but with proper foot care and hygiene can be easily treated and avoided.
Call your Orange County dermatologist today for an exam. Our friendly staff will address your concerns right away.