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CHILD’S HEALTH/SKIN DISORDERS: ATHLETE’S FOOT (TINEA PEDIS)
Posted under General health by adminAthlete’s foot is the name given to a common fungal infection of the feet which is usually more common in teenagers.
Cause
Warm, sweaty skin is the ideal breeding ground for this fungus called tinea. It commonly occurs in summer, or in people (such as athletes) who always wear shoes and tend to get sweaty feet.
Clinical features
The rash usually appears as itchy, red, peeling areas, mainly between the toes. Cracks may appear in the skin which may weep or bleed. Small scales or tiny dots may appear on the sole of the feet, and sometimes can be mistaken for warts. The feet usually have a distinctive, musty odour.
Make sure the area between the toes is dried well after bathing. An antifungal powder or cream (available on prescription and in some cases over the counter from your chemist) should be applied twice a day, for at least 3 weeks, until the rash has cleared completely. Discourage scratching, as this will only make matters worse. Make sure only cotton socks are worn, and that they are changed twice a day. It is preferable to go barefoot or wear sandals, so that the feet are kept dry and exposed to the air. If shoes must be worn, leather is preferable to synthetic or rubber shoes, as they tend to ‘breathe’ more.
• if the feet are painful;
• if there is pus oozing from the rash;
• if the rash is spreading despite taking the above measures;
• if the rash does not start to improve a week after starting treatment.
Prevention
There is no proof that tinea is picked up from public swimming pools or showers but some people feel safer if they wear thongs or sandals in these places. The main way to prevent tinea is to keep the feet dry and change socks and shoes frequently, going barefoot or wearing open shoes as much as possible.
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