Tinea pedis commonly called fungus foot is a fungal infection of the skin that usually occurs in the sole of the feet and inter-digits spaces (between the toes of the feet). It could sometimes be seen in the fingers.

Just like most fungal infections, it is very contagious and can be easily transmitted. This disease condition is common among athletes and people with sweaty feet.

The fungus was discovered in 1888 mostly among athletes hence the name- Athletic feet. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create the perfect environment (warm, dark and moist) in which fungus thrives.

Most fungi infection and infestation occurs on the outermost layer of the skin particularly, areas of the body where the skin folds. Examples of such places include; genitals, pubic regions, under the breast, between digits of the toes, fingers, etc.

These places create a thriving environment for the development of the organism- warm and moist. It seems people with skin folds as a result of fats are likely to suffer more from fungus infection. However, this should not be of great concern as fungi infection is more easily treated now than a few years ago when researchers were still trying to figure out how to combat fungi infections.

Athlete’s foot

Mode of Transfer

Tinea pedis/fungus foot can be acquired through direct contact with an infected person, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces such as socks, showers, shoes, locker room floors, and around swimming pools as well as stagnant waters, etc.

Symptoms of Fungus Root

Symptoms of fungus root could be mild and severe. It varies from one person to another. Some of the known symptoms include;

Peeling or cracking skin

Scaling and breaking of the skin in the affected area

Itching or burning sensations on the affected area

Erythema, and erosion of the skin of the affected area

Blister formation

Yellowish coloration of the nails

Inflammation of the surrounding skin

Ulcer

Those at Risk

Truth is that there is no particular class of people that get infected with the fungus foot as anyone could be infected but there are certain factors that increase the chance/risk of being infected with athlete’s foot and these include:

Walking with barefoot around locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools

Sharing stockings, shoes and towels with an infected person

Having sweaty feet

Wearing tight cover shoes

Having a toe injury or nail injury

Wearing damp socks and shoes

Nails Infection

Prevention

Keep your feet dry as much as you can to inhibit its effects

When you are at home, go barefoot to expose your toes to air

Regularly change your socks especially once they appear moist

Wear well-ventilated shoes for aeration

Avoid wearing shoes made of synthetic materials like rubber

Continuously change your shoes to allow worn shoes to dry off before wearing

Wear waterproof shoes to swimming pools and locker rooms

Don’t share clothing with anyone especially inner wears

See a medical officer for symptoms you don’t understand!

 

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