Tinea Pedis (athletes foot)
DEFINITION
Tinea pedis, otherwise known as Athlete’s foot, is a fungus
infection of the foot.
infection of the foot.
DESCRIPTION
The term Tinea describes a group of fungal infections caused
by fungi of different varieties. Particular varieties of fungi have
a preference for specific areas of the body. In Tinea pedis, the
fungus invades the outer layers of the skin, especially between the
third and fourth toes.
by fungi of different varieties. Particular varieties of fungi have
a preference for specific areas of the body. In Tinea pedis, the
fungus invades the outer layers of the skin, especially between the
third and fourth toes.
Tinea pedis is caused by organisms called Trichophyton
mentagrophytes, T. mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.
Initially it attacks the web of skin between the 3rd and 4th toes
and then may progress to other areas of the feet including the
soles and the heels. The skin between the toes can bleed and become
dry, scaly, cracked and tender. When the infection is between the
toes, the skin usually peels and itches, in some cases to the point
of bleeding. Sometimes the infected skin area becomes cracked and
moist, particularly if the patient wears socks and shoes
continually.
mentagrophytes, T. mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.
Initially it attacks the web of skin between the 3rd and 4th toes
and then may progress to other areas of the feet including the
soles and the heels. The skin between the toes can bleed and become
dry, scaly, cracked and tender. When the infection is between the
toes, the skin usually peels and itches, in some cases to the point
of bleeding. Sometimes the infected skin area becomes cracked and
moist, particularly if the patient wears socks and shoes
continually.
Various bacteria, e.g., Streptococci, may establish in these areas
causing weeping and a bad smell. These conditions can be an ideal
environment for infection. Another problem can be a candida
infection. If good bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics, radiation
or drugs, the candida may spread.
causing weeping and a bad smell. These conditions can be an ideal
environment for infection. Another problem can be a candida
infection. If good bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics, radiation
or drugs, the candida may spread.
Sometimes the infection may cover the foot, and eventually a
toe nail. If this happens, the nail may change in shape and the
horny layer of the nail may become thickened.
toe nail. If this happens, the nail may change in shape and the
horny layer of the nail may become thickened.
Tinea pedis is transferred from person to person easily via skin
scales shed from the infection. They cling to items of clothing
such as socks. Other items which may also be carriers of the fungus
include towels, shoes and moist floors such as a communal showers.
The floors of public toilets may also be contaminated. Wear shoes
if possible in these areas.
scales shed from the infection. They cling to items of clothing
such as socks. Other items which may also be carriers of the fungus
include towels, shoes and moist floors such as a communal showers.
The floors of public toilets may also be contaminated. Wear shoes
if possible in these areas.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with any condition your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. The affected area will be sore, probably
swollen and may have a bad smell.
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. The affected area will be sore, probably
swollen and may have a bad smell.
Your Doctor will recommend oral or topical medications,
depending on the severity of the condition.
depending on the severity of the condition.
DIET HINTS
It is important to support the immune system. Some dietary
suggestions include;
suggestions include;
- whole grains, raw fruits and fresh vegetables. These provide
antioxidants which may help stimulate the immune system. - Try to avoid excess sugar and white flour products.
- Try to eat unsweetened yoghurt. These provide acidophilus which
help regulate bacteria levels. - Include garlic in the diet. Garlic is a potent antifungal
agent. - Try to eat lactic acid fermented foods such as sauerkraut, sour
dough breads and yoghurt to help prevent the spread of
infection.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
- Echinacea has been shown to have antifungal properties and may
enhance immune function. - Garlic has antifungal properties.
- Golden seal is believed to be an effective antifungal herb and
may assist in preventing secondary bacterial infections. - Pau d’arco herb is believed to have effective antifungal and
antibacterial properties. - Tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for
Athlete’s foot, due to its antifungal properties. - Acidophilus contains friendly bacteria such as Lactobacilus
acidophilus and bifidus which can help fight fungus and prevent its
overgrowth.
AROMATHERAPY
The listed essential oils are suggested for the health
management of Tinea. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
management of Tinea. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
MYRRH, Patchouli, TEA TREE
Application
DIRECT: Blend any single listed essential oil or combination
of essential oils – 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz) vegetable
carrier oil ie: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba. After
cleansing, apply topically to Tinea affected area.
of essential oils – 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz) vegetable
carrier oil ie: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba. After
cleansing, apply topically to Tinea affected area.
NOTES
Ordinary washing powder does not kill this fungus although
washing in very hot water will. Clothing, e.g., socks, should be
cleansed with a suitable disinfectant in the water. It is possible,
if this is not done re-infection can take place.
washing in very hot water will. Clothing, e.g., socks, should be
cleansed with a suitable disinfectant in the water. It is possible,
if this is not done re-infection can take place.
Use caution when standing barefoot in an area that is used by
the public if the floor is damp. The fungus grows in these areas
and it is easy to become infected. Summer time, when the
temperature is higher, is the worst time for Tinea. Prevention is
the best form of treatment. Always dry your body thoroughly after
bathing, especially between the toes. Change socks and underwear
after exercise or sweating. Wear less constricting shoes for
exercise or better still wear no shoes when possible. Use powder to
absorb excess perspiration.
the public if the floor is damp. The fungus grows in these areas
and it is easy to become infected. Summer time, when the
temperature is higher, is the worst time for Tinea. Prevention is
the best form of treatment. Always dry your body thoroughly after
bathing, especially between the toes. Change socks and underwear
after exercise or sweating. Wear less constricting shoes for
exercise or better still wear no shoes when possible. Use powder to
absorb excess perspiration.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- Wear suitable footware in communal showers (swimming pools,
gymnasiums etc), to avoid contracting Tinea. - Ask your Pharmacist to recommend a suitable antifungal
preparation. These are available as creams, powders and sprays and
the choice of preparation is usually just a matter of personal
preference. Always apply your antifungal preparation directly to
the lesion and the surrounding 4 to 6cm of skin. Treatment should
be continued for at least one week after lesions clear. - Always dry well between the toes and use an antifungal
preparation immediately after a bath or shower. Wear no shoes when
possible. - Keep floors as clean as possible.
- It is a good idea to alternate shoes every 2 or 3 days to allow
them to dry out. - Wear cotton socks and change these daily.
- If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements.
