A Family Doctor's Tale - ATHLETE FOOT

DOC I HAVE ATHLETE'S FOOT

Athlete's foot (Hong Kong foot) is actually a fungal infection affecting the webs of the toes.

In most cases the condition is mild but in severe cases there is an unpleasant smell from the affected feet.

Treatment is good with antifungal medicine.

However recurrence is frequent especially in tropical countries where the feet tend to sweat more frequently.


Athlete's Foot is a common disease caused by superficial fungi infection affecting the webs and toes of the foot



A group of fungi called dermatophytes thrive in the warm, moist environment of webs and toes of the feet caused by trapped sweats and the closed environment of the shoes.

They grow on the keratin a protein found in hair, nails and skin.

Fungal infection is mildly contagious and can spread by direct contact with the infected skin cells found on socks and other clothing.



Symptoms are:

1.Unpleasant foot odor.

2.Small itchy blisters on the soles of the feet.

3.Itchy, scaly, red rash usually in the webs of the toes.

4.cracked, blistered skin of the toes and nails

5.Dry scaly skin on the soles.

The complications of Athlete's foot are:


Secondary bacterial infections with cellulitis, lymphangitis and lymphadenitis may occur especially in diabetic patients.

Treatment of Athlete's Foot is :

1.Antifungal powder, creams and oral medicines

2.basic good foot hygiene

It is important to prevent the fungal infection from spreading.

Avoid scratching of the infected area as this will cause the fungi to spread to other areas.

Dry the feet thoroughly after bathing and before sleep.

Socks or stockings should be changed daily.

Anti fungal powder may be placed in socks before wearing.

Clean and air shoes.

Even after treatment and clearing of the fungal infection, recurrence of the infection may take place because of the presence of spores of the fungus under the skin.

The spores are very resistant to treatment and only when they germinate to the mycelia stage, the fungus can be eliminated through the anti fungal creams, ointment, powder or oral medication.

The antifungal creams must be applied each time there is wetness or trapped sweat so as to get rid of the germinated spores.

Once the spores are completely removed from the skin, then you can be sure that the fungal infection will be unlikely to recur.

Treatment may take up to 6-8 weeks before the fungal infection disappear.