Diseases of the foot
Although diseases of the foot generally are not limited, that is they are related to or manifest elsewhere in the body, often the foot, because of its distance from the central circulation, the heart and its constant exposure to pressures from the ground and the weight of the body, is the first place some of these diseases or a sign or symptom of others appear.
Dermatologic foot conditions
Dermatological foot conditions are those related to the skin and nails of the foot. Often there is a distinction made between conditions of the dorsal skin and plantar skin.
Arthritic foot conditions
Arthritic foot conditions are those which either manifest most often in the foot, are seen frequently in the foot or which have a presentation different from other areas of the body.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot caused by parasites on the skin called anthropophile fungi. Athlete foot usually occurs between the toes.
The most common species are Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton which account for 90 per cent of all skin fungal infections, commonly referred to as ringworm.
The medical terms for athlete's foot are tinea pedis or dermatophytosis palmaris, plantaris and interdigitalis - the latter indicates that, in addition to the soles and toes of the feet, the palms of the hands can also become infected.
What Causes Athlete's Foot:
Everyone has one or more of the fungi that can cause athlete's foot. These fungi feed on dead skin cells and are usually harmless.
However, the fungi love warm, moist places with the result they are primarily a problem for people who wear tight-fitting trainers or don't dry their feet properly, which is why athlete's foot is a common condition in young people and adults.
The locker room, public swimming baths or showers, sharing shoes are all related to athlete's foot infection as it s contagious and can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact and indirectly through towels, shoes, floors, etc.
The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.
The infection may also be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body, and in severe cases may affect the groin.
Athlete's Foot Symptoms:
- Dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation and blisters or pustules usually between the 4th and 5th toes initially
- If the blisters break, small raw areas are exposed and may lead to cracking of the skin(chalked lines)
- Cracking may causes pain and swelling
- Itching and burning may increase with spread of the infection
- If not treated a similar rash may appear on the palms of the hands
- When scaly, the rash often resembles eczema
Please note that it is contagious and can be spread to other parts of the body including the groin and the underarm area by scratching and touching.
Prevent Athletes Foot
- Wash your feet thoroughly every day and dry carefully - especially between the toes - and do not share shoes or towels
- Use shower shoes in public places
- Wear light airy shoes, sandals or leather and not synthetic
- Or if in colder climes, wear cotton socks changing frequently if necessary to keep your feet dry
- Use talcum powder or a quality foot powder