The fungi that cause tinea pedis, found in high levels on swimming pool decks and in locker rooms, are ubiquitous. The body's natural immune system allows them to inhabit the skin without infection. However, people have varying degrees of natural immunity to the organisms, and moisture can create an environment conducive to fungal invasion. An essential element of prevention and treatment of fungal infection is keeping the feet dry. Patients should dry between the toes after a shower, apply foot powder daily, change socks if they become moist, wear nonocclusive shoes, and go barefoot when possible.
Treatment also includes the application of antifungal cream in the evenings.
However, any of these medications will be effective in most cases. They may be applied a second time during the day, but keeping feet dry with powder usually yields better results. Prevention and Intervention Educating our active patients about pedal skin problems is important because many of these conditions can be prevented or minimized. However, when hygienic steps such as keeping the feet dry, wearing properly fitted shoes, and paring calluses or corns are inadequate, physicians need to step in with other measures to limit the effects of these disorders so that patients can remain active. Skin injuries in sports medicine.