Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the feet caused by dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist environments. It is contracted through direct contact with infected skin or surfaces like floors, locker rooms, or footwear. Symptoms include cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or on the foot that is red, itchy, and painful. Diagnosis is usually made by visual examination and may include skin cultures or biopsies. Treatment involves using over-the-counter antifungal creams and powders for 1-2 weeks. Preventive measures include keeping feet dry, changing socks daily, and wearing well-ventilated shoes.

1. Athlete’s Foot
Presentation.
ANUGOM Anthony Emeka
.

2. What is Athlete’s Foot?
 A common term for
different fungal
infections of the foot.
 The medical term is:
“Tinea Pedis”
referring to the
causative organism
and location of the
infection. This is a
ringworm fungus 2

3. What is Athlete’s Foot?
 It can be found in:
 Floors in gyms
 Socks and clothing
 Public areas where people walk
barefoot
 Locker/Change rooms
 Swimming pools
 Nail salons 3

4. Causes of Athlete’s Foot
 They are usually caused by:
 Dermatophytes (The commonest and
thus the name Tinea Pedis
(Ringworm of the Foot) They live on
dead tissues of hair, nails and outer
skin layers.
 Yeast (Usually as secondary invaders)
especially in the immunocomprpmised
 Moulds (Extremely rare).
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5. Causes of Athlete’s Foot
 Dermatophytes thrive in warm moist areas
 The risk of developing it increases if you:
 Wear closed shoes (especially if plastic-
lined)
 Keep your feet wet for long periods.
 Sweat a lot.
 Develop a minor skin or nail injury.
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6. Causes of Athlete’s Foot
 It is contagious and can be passed via:
 Direct contact
 Contact with items like shoes, stockings
 Shower or Pool surfaces
 Contact with pets that carry the fungus
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7. Causes of Athlete’s Foot
 It can stay dormant in:
 Shoes
 Socks
 Bath mats and
 Floors
 even after the surfaces
are cleaned.
 Thus remaining viable to
cause and infection 7

8. Types of Athlete’s Foot
 There are three common types:
1. On the soles of the feet – “Moccasin
Type”.
2. Between the Toes – “Inter digital
Type”
3. Blistering – “Inflammatory Type”
It May be associated with Jock itch. 8

9. Clinical Signs and Symptoms
 The commonest is Cracked, Flaking,
Peeling Skin between the toes or side of
the foot
 Red and Itchy Skin
 Burning or Stinging Pain
 Blisters that ooze or get crusty
 If spread to fingernails, can make it
discoloured, thick and even crumble
 It may occur with other fungal skin
infections like ringworm and jock itch.
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10. Diagnosis
 Diagnosis is mainly by looking at
the skin.
 If tests is required, they consist:
 Skin Culture
 Skin Lesion Biopsy
 Skin Lesion KOH Examination.
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11. Treatment
 Over-the Counter
 Antifungal powders
 Antifungal Sprays and
 Antifungal creams
 can help control the infection.

 (Preparations like Tolnaftate,
Clotrimazole or Miconazole)
 Continue the application for 1 –
2 weeks after infection has
cleared, to prevent recurrence.
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12. Treatment
 Keep feet clean and dry (especially interdigital [in-
between the feet] )
 Thorough feet wash with soap and water
 Dry completely and carefully (Twice daily)
 Wear clean cotton socks
 Change socks as often as necessary to keep feet
dry.
Its responds well to self care, but may recur.
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13. Treatment
 If it persists after 2-4 weeks of self-care:
 See your Doctor.
 He may prescribe stronger antifungal
medications like:
 ketoconazole or terbinafine.
 Its usually responsive to treatment but
due to possible recurrence, it requires:
 long term treatment
 preventive measures.
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14. Complications
 The following problems can arise
from neglected or poorly treated
athletes foot:
 Recurrence
 Cellulitis (Bacterial Skin Infection)
 Lymphangitis
 Lymphadenitis
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15. Prevention
 Dry feet thoroughly after bathing
or swimming
 Wear sandals or flip-flops at a
public shower or pool.
 Change socks often to keep feet
dry (At least once a day)
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16. Prevention
 Use antifungal/drying powder to
prevent it (if you are susceptible to
getting it or often in areas where its
common)
 Wear shoes that are well ventilated and
made of natural materials like Leather
 Consider alternating shoes each day to
enable them dry completely between
wearing them. (Avoid Plastic Shoes).
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17. Questions
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18. Credits
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001878/
 http://www.medicinenet.com/athletes_foot/page2.htm
 http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-2215-
2222,21036.asp
 http://www.birminghamfootclinic.co.uk/footcomp_athletes.htm
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