Tinea pedis is an infection of the foot caused by a fungus. It is one of the most common infections that people get. It’s also called athlete’s foot or ringworm of the feet.

Tinea pedis is most often seen in adolescents and adults during warm weather, but it can occur at any time.

Tinea pedis can be cured in 2 to 3 weeks, but it reappears often if things aren’t done to prevent it.

 

Caused by a fungus , named Trichophyton or Epidermophyton. These fungi are very small and can be seen only with a microscope.

Moist, sweaty feet and socks, hot humid weather like the weather in Bahrain, and use of public showers increase the chance of getting this infection.

 

Tinea pedis will cause cracked and boggy skin between the toes, plus itching. It also affects the bottoms of the feet. Plus scaling, small blisters and unpleasant odor.

 

The dermatologist makes a diagnosis by doing a physical examination and seeing the typical appearance of the skin. Sometimes, a small scraping of an affected area can be studied under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

It is important to keep the feet dry. Wear sandals if possible. Feet should be washed, and then scales and dead skin can be removed. An antifungal powder, or cream, can be applied to feet.

 

✔ DO wash and dry your feet at least once per day during and after treatment, to make sure that the infection doesn’t return.

✔ DO wear clean, dry socks made of cotton or wool.

✔ DO wash and dry your feet immediately after exercising.

✔ DO call your doctor if your rash doesn’t get better after 1 week of treatment.

✔ DO call your doctor if you see signs of another infection, such as fever, pus drainage, or red streaks on your feet.