Athlete's foot: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams can help control the infection: These contain medicine such as miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, or tolnaftate. Keep using the medicine for 1 to 2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from returning. In addition: Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes. Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area carefully and completely. Try to do this at least twice a day. To widen and keep the web space (area between the toes) dry, use lamb's wool. This can be bought at a drugstore. Wear clean cotton socks. Change your socks and shoes as often as needed to keep your feet dry. Wear sandals or flip-flops at a public shower or pool. Use antifungal or drying powders to prevent athlete's foot if you tend to get it often, or you frequent places where athlete's foot fungus is common (like public showers). Wear shoes that are well-ventilated and made of natural material such as leather. It may help to alternate shoes each day, so they can completely dry between wearings.

Do not wear plastic-lined shoes. If athlete's foot does not get better in 2 to 4 weeks with self-care, or frequently returns, see your health care provider. Your provider may prescribe: Antifungal medicines to take by mouth Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that occur from scratching Prescription topical creams that kill fungus and yeast Outlook (Prognosis) Athlete's foot almost always responds well to self-care, although it may come back. Long-term medicine and preventive measures may be needed. The infection can spread to the toenails. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider right away if: Your foot is swollen and warm to the touch, especially if there are red streaks. These are signs of a possible bacterial infection. Other signs include pus, drainage, and fever. You have diabetes or a weakened immune system and develop athlete's foot and the infection spreads up the leg. Athlete's foot symptoms do not go away within 2 to 4 weeks of self-care treatments.

Alternative Names Tinea pedis; Fungal infection - feet; Tinea of the foot; Infection - fungal - feet; Ringworm - foot Images Athlete's foot, tinea pedis References Elewski BE, Hughey LC, Sobera JO, Hay R. Fungal diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, eds. Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 77. Hay RJ. Dermatophytosis (ringworm) and other superficial mycoses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 268. Read More Health& - Tinea Tinea Content What is tinea? Tinea refers to a group of fungal skin infections that includes athlete's foot , jock itch and 'ringworm' (which is not due to a worm, but rather a fungus that causes ring-shaped rashes).

It can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly affects the feet, scalp and fingernails. Its appearance depends on what type of tinea it is (see 'Types' below). Causes Tinea is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes that live on the outer layer of skin. They use a component of skin, called keratin , as an energy source. The severity of your symptoms usually depends on the species and strain of fungus that is causing the infection. Tinea is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person, or through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, such as towels, shoes or communal showers. Dermatophytes Three types of fungus that typically cause skin conditions. The types are microsporum, epidermophyton and trichophyton. Keratin A fibrous protein that forms hair and nails. Risk factors Some factors that can increase the chance of developing tinea include: Damp, humid, crowded conditions; Close contact with an infected person; Sweating excessively; Sharing clothing, towels or linen; Wearing tight clothing, and; Having a weak immune system or certain underlying medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes .

Types Tinea corporis Tinea corporis affects the skin on the body, and is commonly called ringworm. It commonly appears as ring-shaped, red rashes, which are also itchy. A tinea corporis rash. Tinea pedis Tinea pedis affects the foot, and is commonly known as athlete's foot . It can cause itchy blisters between the toes and on the side on the foot, and dry, scaly patches on the sides and sole of the foot Tinea cruris Tinea cruris affects the groin, and is commonly known as jock itch . It causes a red, itchy, raised rash in the groin that can also spread down the inner thighs. Tinea capitis Tinea capitis affects the scalp and results in small lumps of raised skin that then flake off and can cause temporary baldness. Tinea unguium Tinea unguium affects the nails on the toes and fingers, and is otherwise known as onychomycosis. It causes the nails to gradually thicken and become discoloured. Over time they can become brittle and eventually disintegrate. Tinea of the toe nails.

Methods for diagnosis Tinea can be diagnosed by an examination of your skin or nails. A scraping of skin or clipping of nail from the affected area can also be sent for testing to confirm the diagnosis. The following tests can be performed on these samples: Potassium hydroxide exam The sample is added to potassium hydroxide (KOH) and examined under a microscope. Potassium hydroxide destroys non-fungal cells, making it easier to see if any fungal cells are present. Fungal culture If fungus is present on the skin, it can be cultured using a special gel (agar) plate that selectively grows it. Fungi can two weeks or more to grow. The benefit of fungal cultures is that it can also determine the most effective treatment option. Types of treatment Tinea is usually treated with topical antifungal creams, such as ketoconazole and terbinafine, which are applied directly to the affected area. Sometimes an oral antifungal medication, such as oral terbinafine or fluconazole, can be prescribed for infections that do not respond well to topical cream. Continuing treatment is usually needed, even after an infection has cleared, to prevent it from returning.

It is also important to treat all sites with the fungal skin infection simultaneously, to prevent re-infection in the future. Prognosis Although tinea can usually be cured, it is common for it to return. Tinea spreads easily to other parts of the body. Severe cases can sometimes result in breaks in the skin that can cause permanent scarring or a bacterial infection. Prevention Maintaining good hygiene by washing and drying the skin properly, washing linen and towels in hot water and not sharing them with others can help prevent the spread of tinea. You can also reduce your risk of getting tinea on your feet by not walking barefoot in public spaces such as showers, gymnasiums and swimming pools. Share this article Athlete's foot - NHS Choices Athlete's foot Athlete's foot is a rash caused by a fungus that usually appears between the toes. The affected skin may be itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked or blistered. It's not usually serious, but should be treated to stop it spreading to other parts of the body or other people. Treatment usually involves pharmacy-bought creams, sprays or liquids and good foot hygiene. The medical name for athlete's foot is tinea pedis.

Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot Athlete's foot most commonly affects the skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet. Affected areas of skin may be: dry, red, scaly and flaky white, soggy and cracked sore covered in small blisters The infection can spread around your foot and to your toenails – read more about fungal nail infections . Scratching the infected skin and then touching other parts of your body can also spread the infection. In severe cases, skin damaged by athlete's foot can become infected with bacteria. This can lead to cellulitis , which causes the skin to become red, hot and swollen. How do you get athlete's foot? Athlete's foot is caused by fungi growing and multiplying on the skin. The fungi that cause the infection thrive in warm, dark and moist places like feet.

You're more likely to get athlete's foot if you: don't keep your feet clean and dry wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms share towels, socks and shoes with other people have a weakened immune system have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes Athlete's foot can easily spread to other people by touching infected skin or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Treatments for athlete's foot Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own. It can usually be treated using antifungal treatments available from pharmacies without needing to see a GP. Antifungal treatments work by stopping the fungus causing your athlete's foot from growing. They come in creams, sprays, liquids and powders, and are used in the following way: treatment should be applied directly to the affected skin and surrounding area wash and dry the affected skin before applying the treatment, and clean your hands afterwards continue treatment after the rash has cleared, as described in the leaflet that comes with your medicine, to make sure all the fungus has gone Antifungal treatments are similarly effective, although some work faster than others.

A pharmacist can recommend an antifungal medicine that's safe for you to use. Not all types are suitable for children, older people, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. If your rash is very sore and itchy, a pharmacist may recommend using a mild steroid cream to ease any discomfort, but this should only be used for a short period and in combination with antifungal treatment. Contact your GP if your athlete's foot doesn't start to improve after a week of treatment, or if it's causing significant pain or discomfort. Your GP may take a small skin sample for testing and recommend stronger antifungal medicines, including tablets. It's also important to practise good foot hygiene during treatment to speed up recovery and prevent athlete's foot returning.

Preventing athlete's foot You can reduce your risk of developing athlete's foot by: drying your feet gently but thoroughly after washing them, particularly the areas between your toes wearing cotton socks and roomy shoes made of natural materials such as leather – this can allow your feet to "breathe" wear a fresh pair of socks, tights or stockings every day change your shoes every couple of days – this allows them to dry out between uses not walking around barefoot in public showers and locker rooms not sharing towels, socks and shoes with other people, and ensuring your towels are washed regularly using talcum powder on your feet to stop them getting sweaty not using moisturiser between your toes, as this can help fungi multiply If you or your child develops athlete's foot, there's no need to stay off work or school. Follow the advice above to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. Page last reviewed: 29/09/2015 Ringworm at The Medical Dictionary Medicines Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease.

Humans can contract ringworm from animals; cats and dogs are often carriers. It should be noted that any contact sports such as wrestling has a risk of contracting the fungal infection through skin-to-skin contact. Types A number of species of fungi called dermatophytes cause ringworm. Members of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum are the most common causative agents. These fungi attack various parts of the body and lead to the following conditions: Tinea corporis affects the arms, legs, and trunk Tinea capitis affects the scalp Tinea cruris (jock itch) affects the groin area Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the feet Tinea unguium affects the fingernails and toenails Tinea versicolor Symptoms and diagnosis The most well known sign of ringworm is the appearance of one or more red raised itchy patches with defined edges. These patches are often lighter in the center, taking on the appearance of a ring. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, then bald patches may become evident. If the nails are affected, they may thicken, discolor, and finally crumble. Doctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or they may take a skin scraping.

This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory and allowed to grow. Some of the fungi fluoresce under a black light examination. Topical antifungal drugs containing miconazole and clotrimazole, available by perscription or over the counter, are used to clear up the infection. Tinea Pedis - National Library of Medicine - PubMed Health Oral antifungal drugs for treating athlete's foot (tinea pedis) Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the feet that is easily spread and difficult to get rid of. This review compared different oral antifungal drugs (i.e. drugs taken by mouth), and it included 15 trials, involving 1438 participants. There are several different kinds of oral treatments, and the trials we found considered all the oral drugs used to treat athlete's foot. We found terbinafine and itraconazole to be more effective than placebo. And we found terbinafine to be more effective than griseofulvin.

Griseofulvin is a treatment that was developed much earlier than the new treatments, such as terbinafine and itraconazole; these newer treatments tend to be most evaluated. Trials of other drugs were not large enough to show differences between them. All drugs had side‐effects; gastrointestinal effects were the most common. Safety and efficacy of tinea pedis and onychomycosis treatment in people with diabetes: a systematic review. BACKGROUND: Effective treatment of tinea pedis and onychomycosis is crucial for patients with diabetes as these infections may lead to foot ulcers and secondary bacterial infections resulting in eventual lower limb amputation. Although numerous studies have assessed the effectiveness of antifungal drug and treatment regimens, most exclude patients with diabetes and examine otherwise healthy individuals. While these studies are useful, results cannot necessarily be extrapolated to patients with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to therefore identify the best evidence-based treatment interventions for tinea pedis or onychomycosis in people with diabetes. Oral antifungal drugs for treating athlete's foot (tinea pedis) Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the feet that is easily spread and difficult to get rid of.

This review compared different oral antifungal drugs (i.e. drugs taken by mouth), and it included 15 trials, involving 1438 participants. There are several different kinds of oral treatments, and the trials we found considered all the oral drugs used to treat athlete's foot. We found terbinafine and itraconazole to be more effective than placebo. And we found terbinafine to be more effective than griseofulvin. Griseofulvin is a treatment that was developed much earlier than the new treatments, such as terbinafine and itraconazole; these newer treatments tend to be most evaluated. Trials of other drugs were not large enough to show differences between them. All drugs had side‐effects; gastrointestinal effects were the most common. Athlete's foot: Overview Nearly everyone has had experience with athlete’s foot. The warm and moist spaces between our toes are the perfect place for fungi to grow and spread, typically causing skin redness and cracking. It can be treated effectively with creams, gels and sprays. We provide information on the various treatments. How effective are athlete's foot treatments? Athlete's foot is very common and usually does not cause any serious problems.

But affected skin can crack, and be itchy and unattractive. The fungus can spread to the nails, and on rare occasions to other areas of skin. The infection can usually be treated effectively with creams, gels or sprays.Athlete's foot fungi grow particularly well in the areas between our toes. It is often moist and warm there, and the skin on our feet is also a good breeding ground for fungus. Topical treatment will usually clear up the infection within a few weeks. Tablets only have to be taken in exceptional cases.Good hygiene is also important so that other people do not become infected and to prevent the infection from returning. That includes regularly changing socks, towels and bedding and washing them at over 60 degrees Celsius. Ringworm (Tinea) | Kressville Pediatrics Kressville Pediatrics Aurora, Colorado What is tinea (or a ringworm infection)? Tinea, also referred to as ringworm, is a common fungal infection of the skin. Fungi are widespread in the environment. There are thousands of fungal species, but only approximately 200 species regularly infect humans, causing either superficial or deeper infections, and, occasionally, both. The body area affected by the infection classifies tinea.

"Tinea capitis" is a superficial fungal infection involving the scalp, while "tinea corporis" is a superficial fungal infection involving the trunk, limbs, and face. "Tinea manuum," or ringworm, is an infection of the hands, whereas "tinea pedis" is a fungal infection the feet. "Tinea unguium," or "onychomycosis," affects the nails. top What causes tinea? Dermatophytes, a group of fungi, cause superficial fungal infections, also known as fungal dermatosis, dermatophytosis, ringworm, or tinea. top Who gets tinea? A dermatophyte infection of the scalp (tinea capitis) and of the general skin surface (tinea corporis) is very common during childhood. Because tinea capitis is no longer reportable to the Health Department, the true incidence is unknown. Probably, the highest incidence of tinea capitis occurs among children who are 1 to 10 years of age. A dermatophyte infection of the hands (tinea manuum) and of the feet (tinea pedis) is more common in adulthood than in childhood.

Tinea pedis is probably the most common dermatophytosis worldwide; up to 70% of the population has had this infection. Tinea pedis occurs in males and in females, and the incidence of the infection increases with age. Most cases of tinea pedis occur after puberty. Nail infection (tinea unguium) is unusual during the first two decades of life. Tinea most commonly occurs in warm, humid, tropical climates. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of a person developing an infection. These predisposing risk factors include some systemic disorders and certain environmental and occupational sources. Systemic diseases that may predispose individuals to tinea infections include diabetes mellitus and those with compromised immune systems. Environmental and occupational risk factors include animal contact, especially with kittens, puppies, and horses; contact sports; use of gymnasiums and swimming pools; and outdoor occupations. top How do dermatophytes cause disease? Dermatophytes cause infection by invading keratin, which is a protein in the outermost layer of the skin, in the hair, and in the nails. Direct contact with infected animals, soil, or humans causes tinea. top What are the common findings?

Many patients with a mild tinea infection may have no symptoms. Symptoms include itching and burning, especially when the body, hands, or feet are involved. Patients also may complain of tenderness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. The more severe the infection, the worse the symptoms may become. Tinea capitis appears as a combination of hair breakage and loss, redness, and scaling of the scalp. The extent of scalp redness and scaling varies from person to person. There can be minimal scaling and redness that resembles a mild form of dandruff, or there can be marked redness, swelling, puss formation, and hair loss. Some patients have a strong reaction in their scalp to the dermatophyte, and may develop tenderness, pain, and swelling of the lymph nodes in their neck. Rarely, patients have an elevated white blood cell count. A long-term, severe case of tinea capitis that is not treated adequately may lead to permanent hair loss and scarring. Tinea corporis is a dermatophyte infection of the general body surface. Physical examination reveals individual and grouped round patches of red, scaly skin.

These round patches, or "rings," (hence the term, "ringworm") progressively enlarge and migrate outwards from the center of the ring to form expanding rings. As the ring expands, the center of the ring often becomes clear. Tinea corporis is similar in its appearance virtually anywhere on the body. Tinea faciei appears on the face, and tinea cruris is an infection that involves the upper thigh and groin area. A tinea infection of the hands primarily involves the palms, with a dry scale often looking like small circular areas of scale. Occasionally, a tinea infection of the hands can have small blisters on the palms. For unknown reasons, a tinea infection of just one hand, in conjunction with an infection of both feet, is the most common pattern. Usually, tinea pedis is red and scaly between the toes and on the soles. The skin of the web spaces between the toes can become red, softened, and swollen. The redness and scaling can spread to the side of the foot. Blister formation is more common on the feet than with the other tinea infections.

A tinea infection of the nails (tinea unguium or onychomycosis) invades the nail plate, and causes the nail to lift, thicken, discolor, and become fragile. top How is tinea diagnosed? An appointment should be made with a primary care provider or a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment, if an individual experiences the following: hair loss, accompanied by redness and scaling of the scalp; patches of red, circular, scaly skin on the body, hands, or feet; blisters on the palms and soles; or nail changes. The health care provider will sample a small piece of scale or blister, hair, or nail, and analyze it under the microscope for a fungal organism to establish the diagnosis. This test is called a potassium hydroxide preparation (KOH). Occasionally, the fungal branches and spores characteristic of the infection cannot be seen under the microscope, and a fungal culture will be sent to the laboratory to establish the correct diagnosis. It may take two to four weeks to obtain the fungal culture results. top How is tinea treated? Tinea infections are treated with topical or systemic oral antifungal medications, and, occasionally, both.

Anytime the infection involves the hair or the nails, an oral antifungal medication must be used. When only the skin is involved, a topical antifungal medication is usually sufficient, if the infection does not cover a large body area. If a large percentage of the body surface is involved, an oral and topical antifungal medication may be prescribed. Antifungal drugs have become increasingly effective in the treatment of tinea infections, especially the newer antifungal drugs on the market. Experience with most of the newer antifungal drugs is limited to patients over 12 years of age. Griseofulvin was the first significant oral antifungal on the market used to treat tinea infections. It continues to be the preferred drug in the pediatric population because of its long history of effectiveness, its low cost, and its proven safety profile. Griseofulvin is used frequently to treat tinea capitis and tinea corporis in children. It also is used to treat tinea manuum and tinea pedis. Common side effects of griseofulvin include headaches and gastrointestinal upset. Rarely, allergic rashes from griseofulvin occur.

Griseofulvin may make a patient more sensitive to the sun, and the patient is at risk of developing a photosensitive rash or a sunburn. Many very effective topical antifungal medications are available over the counter, and they can be used one to two times daily to clear infections (except tinea capitis and onychomycosis). Blistering skin eruptions on the palms and soles should be treated with cool compresses, such as Burrow's solution. Large blisters should be opened and drained for comfort. The newer antifungal medications on the market, namely Itraconazole and Terbinafine, are very effective for nail infections. Your primary care provider will help you to decide which topical and/or oral antifungal medication is most appropriate for your child. top What are the complications? Tinea infections may lead to secondary bacterial infections, hair loss, and scarring. Occasionally, patients will have swollen lymph nodes that may persist top How is tinea prevented? A cool, dry environment, as well as avoiding exposure to infected animals, soil, and humans, may help reduce infections. Good personal hygiene, thorough drying of the hands and feet, absorbent socks, and wearing breathable natural materials may help prevent infection.

For patients that experience recurrent tinea pedis infections, light, ventilated footwear or sandals and a medicated foot powder may be helpful. Sprays or powders with antifungal activity applied into footwear also may help prevent reinfection. Treatment is usually permanent, although the infection may recur. top References Buttaro, T., Trybulski, J., Bailey, P., Sandberg-Cook, J.: Primary Care: A Collaborative Practice, ed. 1, St. Louis, 1999, Mosby, Inc. Hurwitz, S.: Clinical Pediatric Dermatology, ed. 2., Philadelphia, 1993, W.B. Saunders Company Weston, W.L., Lane, A.T., and Morrelli, J.G.: Color Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology, ed. 2, St. Louis, 1996, Mosby, Inc. About the Author Dr. Capin received her medical education and completed her dermatology residency at the University of Colorado. A Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, she is board certified in Dermatology.

She has been in practice at the Aurora/Parker Skin Care Center for twelve years, and recently opened CARA MIA Medical Day Spa in Parker, Colorado. She enjoys teaching, and often has students with her during office hours. She is experienced in medical and surgical dermatology, as well as cosmetic dermatology. She is often asked to participate in conferences, and speaks internationally. Copyright 2012 Leslie Capin, M.D., All Rights Reserved Whats the itchy skin condition tinea pedis better known as Add this question to a group or test by clicking the appropriate button below. Grade 9 Medical Terms What's the itchy skin condition tinea pedis better known as? You need to have at least 5 reputation to vote a question down. Learn How To Earn Badges . Athlete's foot | definition of athlete's foot by Medical dictionary Athlete's foot | definition of athlete's foot by Medical dictionary Definition A common fungus infection between the toes in which the skin becomes itchy and sore, cracking and peeling away. Athlete's foot (also known as tinea pedis or foot ringworm ) can be treated, but it can be tenacious and difficult to clear up completely.

Description Athlete's foot is a very common condition of itchy, peeling skin on the feet. In fact, it's so common that most people will have at least one episode at least once in their lives. It's less often found in women and children under age 12. (Symptoms that look like athlete's foot in young children most probably are caused by some other skin condition). Because the fungi grow well in warm, damp areas, they flourish in and around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. Tinea pedis got its common name because the infection was common among athletes who often used these areas. Causes and symptoms Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection that most often affects the fourth and fifth toe webs. Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum, the fungi that cause athlete's foot, are unusual in that they live exclusively on dead body tissue (hair, the outer layer of skin, and nails). The fungus grows best in moist, damp, dark places with poor ventilation. The problem doesn't occur among people who usually go barefoot. Many people carry the fungus on their skin.

However, it will only flourish to the point of causing athlete's foot if conditions are right. Many people believe athlete's foot is highly contagious, especially in public swimming pools and shower rooms. Research has shown, however, that it is difficult to pick up the infection simply by walking barefoot over a contaminated damp floor. Exactly why some people develop the condition and others don't is not well understood. Sweaty feet, tight shoes, synthetic socks that don't absorb moisture well, a warm climate, and not drying the feet well after swimming or bathing, all contribute to the overgrowth of the fungus. Symptoms of athlete's foot include itchy, sore skin on the toes, with scaling, cracking, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters that break, exposing raw patches of tissue, can cause pain and swelling. As the infection spreads, itching and burning may get worse. If it's not treated, athlete's foot can spread to the soles of the feet and toenails. Stubborn toenail infections may appear at the same time, with crumbling, scaling and thickened nails, and nail loss. The infection can spread further if patients scratch and then touch themselves elsewhere (especially in the groin or under the arms).

It's also possible to spread the infection to other parts of the body via contaminated bed sheets or clothing. Diagnosis Not all foot rashes are athlete's foot, which is why a physician should diagnose the condition before any remedies are used. Using nonprescription products on a rash that is not athlete's foot could make the rash worse. A dermatologist can diagnose the condition by physical examination and by examining a preparation of skin scrapings under a microscope. This test, called a KOH preparation, treats a sample of tissue scraped from the infected area with heat and potassium hydroxide (KOH). This treatment dissolves certain substances in the tissue sample, making it possible to see the fungi under the microscope. Treatment Athlete's foot may be resistant to medication and should not be ignored. Simple cases usually respond well to antifungal creams or sprays (clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole nitrate, sulconazole nitrate, or tolnaftate). If the infection is resistant to topical treatment, the doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal drug. Untreated athlete's foot may lead to a secondary bacterial infection in the skin cracks.

Alternative treatment A footbath containing cinnamon has been shown to slow down the growth of certain molds and fungi, and is said to be very effective in clearing up athlete's foot. To make the bath: heat four cups of water to a boil add eight to 10 broken cinnamon sticks reduce heat and simmer five minutes remove and let the mixture steep for 45 minutes until lukewarm soak feet Other herbal remedies used externally to treat athlete's foot include: a foot soak or powder containing goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis); tea tree oil (Melaleuca spp.); or calendula (Calendula officinalis) cream to help heal cracked skin. Prognosis Athlete's foot usually responds well to treatment, but it is important to take all medication as directed by a dermatologist, even if the skin appears to be free of fungus. Otherwise, the infection could return. The toenail infections that may accompany athlete's foot, however, are typically very hard to treat effectively. Prevention Good personal hygiene and a few simple precautions can help prevent athlete's foot.

To prevent spread of athlete's foot: wash feet daily dry feet thoroughly (especially between toes) avoid tight shoes (especially in summer) wear sandals during warm weather wear cotton socks and change them often if they get damp don't wear socks made of synthetic material go barefoot outdoors when possible wear bathing shoes in public bathing or showering areas use a good quality foot powder don't wear sneakers without socks wash towels, contaminated floors, and shower stalls well with hot soapy water if anyone in the family has athlete's foot. Resources Thompson, June, et al. Mosby's Clinical Nursing. St. Louis: Mosby, 1998. Organizations American Podiatric Medical Association. 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-1698. (301) 571-9200. athlete's foot [ath´lēts] a fungal infection of the skin of the foot; called also tinea pedis . It causes itching and often blisters and cracks, usually between the toes.

Causative agents are Candida albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum, and species of Trichophyton , which thrive in warmth and dampness. If not arrested, it can cause a rash and itching in other parts of the body as well. It is often recurrent, since the fungus survives under the toenails (see tinea unguium ) and reappears when conditions are favorable. Although athlete's foot is usually little more than an uncomfortable nuisance, its open sores provide excellent sites for more serious infections. Early treatment and health care supervision insure correct diagnosis and prevention of complications. Specific diagnosis is made by microscopic examination or culture of skin scrapings for the fungus. Prevention includes keeping the feet dry and open to the air as much as possible, especially the areas between the toes. Small cotton pads may be used between the toes if this area is difficult to keep dry. Dusting powder may be used on the feet and sprinkled in the shoes to reduce accumulation of moisture. Topical fungicides may control cases in the early phases. For more severe cases, there are compounds such as griseofulvin taken by mouth, or topical preparations such as clotrimazole .

tin·e·a pe·dis dermatophytosis of the feet, especially of the skin between the toes, caused by one of the dermatophytes, usually a species of Trichophyton or Epidermophyton; the disease consists of small vesicles, fissures, scaling, maceration, and eroded areas between the toes and on the plantar surface of the foot; other skin areas may be involved. (ăth′lēts) n. A contagious fungal skin infection caused by a species of Trichophyton or Epidermophyton that usually affects the feet, especially the skin between the toes, and is characterized by itching, blisters, cracking, and scaling; ringworm of the foot. Also called tinea pedis. athlete's foot See tinea pedis .

athlete's foot Tinea pedis A malodorous dermatophytosis affecting moist, warm toe webs and soles of feet; AF often occurs in athletes, especially in adolescent ♂, and causes maceration, flaking, peeling, erosion, pruritus Risk factors Poor hygiene, occlusive footwear, prolonged moisture of skin, minor skin or nail injuries Agents Trichophyton rubrum, T mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum Treatment Drying, if recalcitrant, haloprogin, tolnaftate; if refractory, griseofulvin. See Jock itch , Tinea pedis , Tinea cruris . tin·e·a pe·dis (tin'ē-ă ped'is) Dermatophytosis of the feet, especially of the skin between the toes, caused by one of the dermatophytes, usually a species of Trichophyton or Epidermophyton; the disease consists of small vesicles, fissures, scaling, maceration, and eroded areas between the toes and on the plantar surface of the foot; other skin areas may be involved.

ATHLETE'S FOOT athlete's foot A scaling, cracked, or macerated rash, typically found between the toes and usually caused by a fungal skin infection (such as tinea) although bacteria may also be involved. The rash is usually mildly itchy. Synonym: dermatophytosis ; tinea pedis illustration; Treatment The feet, esp. the webbing between the toes, should be carefully dried after bathing. Well-ventilated shoes and absorbent socks should be worn. Topically applied antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine, effectively treat the condition except when maceration is prominent and bacterial infection is also present. In these instances, oral antibiotics are needed. illustration See also: foot athlete's foot A popular term for the fungus infection commonly occurring between the toes. The medical term is TINEA PEDIS . athlete's foot or ringworm a fungal disease caused by Epidermophyton floccosum. The fungus can cause irritation of other parts of the body apart from the feet and is parasitic or pathogenic on nails and skin in general. Athlete's foot is most common in adolescent males and infection is caused usually by walking barefoot on infected floors.

athlete's foot fungal infection of the skin of the foot (tinea pedis). Symptoms include intense itch, peeling and sometimes painful splits in the skin. Common in sport due to poor hygiene and use of communal changing and showering facilities. Treated by antifungal creams or dusting powders. tinea pedis ; athlete's foot tinea characterized by intense itching, vesiculation, fissures, scaling, maceration and eroded areas, especially interdigitally, at medial longitudinal arch and plantar skin, and heel perimeter; due to Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var . interdigitale Epidermophyton floccosum infection (see Table 1) Table 1: Treatment of fungal infections of skin and nails Infection site Tinea - Better Health Channel Tinea Tinea is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin. Fungi thrive in hot, moist areas. Common infection sites are the feet and groin. Good hygiene can prevent recurring attacks of tinea. Tinea is a contagious fungal skin infection. The most commonly affected areas include the feet, groin, scalp and beneath the breasts.

Tinea can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through towels, clothes or floors. Tinea is also known as ringworm, which is a misleading name as no worm is involved. All fungi need warm, moist environments and tinea is no exception. This is why the hottest, most sweat-prone areas of the body are the most likely areas for a tinea infection to occur. Communal showers and locker rooms are typical places where infection may be spread. Treatment includes antifungal medication, antiperspirants and good hygiene. Types of tinea Tinea infections are known by specific names, depending on the part of the body that is affected. The most common types of tinea include: Athlete’s foot – tinea of the foot, known as tinea pedis Jock itch – tinea of the groin, known as tinea cruris Ringworm of the scalp – tinea of the head, known as tinea capitis (mainly affects children) Ringworm of the body – tinea of the body, known as tinea corporis Nail infection (onychomycosis) – tinea of the toe or finger nails, known as tinea unguium.

Symptoms of tinea Red scaly rash that is shaped like a ring (annular) Cracking, splitting and peeling in the toe web spaces Blisters Yellow or white discoloration of the nails Bald spots on the scalp. How to avoid tinea infection Overheating and perspiration contribute to tinea infections. Suggestions to avoid tinea infection include: After washing, dry the skin thoroughly, particularly between the toes and within skin folds. Expose the skin to the air as much as possible. Wear cotton socks instead of synthetics. Use antiperspirants to control excessive perspiration (sweating). Wear thongs to swimming pools, locker rooms, gyms and other communal areas. Treating a tinea infection Tinea infections respond well to antifungal creams. Some infections are harder to shift and might also require an antifungal medication in the form of a tablet. Preventing the spread of tinea It is important to remember that tinea is contagious. Suggestions on how to prevent the spread of infection to others include: Treat tinea infections with antifungal cream. Wash your hands after touching infected areas. Do not share towels.

Question: The medical condition Tinea Pedis is better known by what name?
Answer: Athlete’s foot