Athlete’s Foot: Overview

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the areas between the toes. It may lead to painful blisters or bubbling and can also manifest on the soles, sides, and tops of the feet. In more severe cases, it can cause significant pain and unpleasant odors. Notably, approximately one-third of individuals with athlete’s foot also experience a related nail infection that may necessitate medical intervention.

Diagnosis of Athlete’s Foot

A prevalent method for diagnosing athlete’s foot in clinical settings is the skin lesion KOH (potassium hydroxide) exam. During this microscopic assessment, a doctor scrapes the infected skin area and dissolves it in chemicals to identify the presence of fungal infections.

Risk Factors for Athlete’s Foot

Who is at Risk?

Athlete’s foot primarily affects individuals who frequent public swimming pools and those who often wear athletic shoes and sports gear. Runners, in particular, are nearly twice as likely to contract this infection compared to the general population. Research indicates that individuals with weakened immune systems are also at an increased risk.

Prevalence and Demographics

Studies estimate that around 70% of people will encounter athlete’s foot at some stage in their lives. Given its contagious nature, this fungal infection poses a public health concern. Common risk factors include excessive sweating, humid conditions, and participation in sports. Prolonged exposure to damp environments can lead to mixed infections involving additional bacteria. The incidence of athlete’s foot is more common in post-pubescent adolescents and tends to increase with age, particularly in adults aged 31 to 60. Notably, men appear to be at a higher risk than women.

Treatment Options for Athlete’s Foot

Recognizing Symptoms

Many individuals may be unaware that they have athlete’s foot until they experience noticeable symptoms. The most common complaints include itching and burning sensations. It is crucial for professional athletes to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment to maintain their training and competitive performance.

Available Treatments

Athlete’s foot is often treatable with affordable topical creams, such as terbinafine or butenafine, which aim to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection. However, more complex forms of athlete’s foot, characterized by plaque formations on the heels, soles, and sides of the feet, may resist treatment.

In cases where a tinea pedis infection does not improve, healthcare providers may recommend oral antifungal medications, with oral terbinafine demonstrating notable effectiveness. When using oral treatments, it is essential to combine them with preventive measures, such as wearing moisture-wicking socks, applying antifungal powders, and choosing appropriate footwear in gyms or public restrooms. For individuals with recurrent infections, drying between the toes after bathing and opting for wider shoes may prove beneficial.

References

Ely, J. W., Rosenfeld, S., & Stone, M. S. (2014). Diagnosis and Management of Tinea Infections. American Family Physician, 90(10), 702–710. www.aafp.org/afp.
Flint, W. W., & Cain, J. D. (2014). Nail and Skin Disorders of the Foot. Medical Clinics of NA, 98, 213–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2013.11.002
Ilkit, M., & Durdu, M. (2015). Tinea pedis: The etiology and global epidemiology of a common fungal infection. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 41(3), 374–388. https://doi.org/10.3109/1040841X.2013.856853
Field, L. A., Adams, B. B., & Brian Adams, C. B. (2008). Education Tinea pedis in athletes. International Journal of Dermatology, 47, 485–492.
Skin lesion KOH exam: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003761.htm