Athlete`s foot

Description

Athlete`s foot or tinea pedis is fungal infection that affects feet, primarily between the toes. Maintaining skin clean and dry is the best way to prevent athlete’s foot. The disorder is contagious and can be transmitted through contact with infected floors, shoes or other surfaces. Athlete’s foot can rarely become secondarily infected with bacteria.

Symptoms

Itching, red skin, flaky stains. Itching between toes and tickling. Itchy blisters. Very dry and chapped skin. Thick and rough toenails.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Diagnosis may usually be set based on the characteristic rash. The doctor may use the microscope. Lab analyzes are rarely necessary.

Specialists

Dermatology, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Podiatrist

Therapy

The majority of the cases can be treated with topical medicines, such as miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, tolnaftate or terbinafine. Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine and tolnaftate are available without a prescription. If several areas are affected or if the area under infection is big, oral medicines containing terbinafine or itraconazole are used then. An antibiotic is prescribed if there is a suspicion of secondary bacterial infection.