Tinea Pedis: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Tinea Pedis?

Tinea pedis commonly known as athletes foot is a very common skin condition that affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes. It is usually a scaly, red, itchy eruption and occasionally may be weepy and oozing. The condition typically affects the feet, but may infect or spread to other areas of the body such as the groin.

Recovery Time

Tinea pedis may take several weeks to months to be cured.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by

• Visual examination of skin
• Skin culture
• Potassium hydroxide test

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is tinea pedis?
Tinea pedis commonly known as athletes foot is a very common skin condition that affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes. It is usually a scaly, red, itchy eruption and occasionally may be weepy and oozing. The condition typically affects the feet, but may infect or spread to other areas of the body such as the groin.

2. What are the causes of tinea pedis?
A group of fungi called dermatophytes is responsible for athletes foot.

3. How much time it takes to recover?
Tinea pedis may take several weeks to months to be cured.

4. What to do when such condition arises?
Wash the feet every day and allow them to dry properly before putting on shoes and socks. One should use a separate towel to dry your feet. Wear socks made of cotton or wool, and change them at least twice a day or when they have become damp. Avoid wearing shoes which are made of synthetic materials, wear sandals or leather shoes instead. Powder the feet and the inside of the shoes with an antifungal powder. Soak the feet in warm water for about 10min every day. Nails should be clipped short and kept clean.

5. When shall one consult a doctor?
Consult the doctor if one has cracks, blisters, vesicles in the skin between the toes, swelling of the feet, bleeding, pus formation in the affected areas or spreading of the infection to the hands occurs.