Athlete’s foot is a very common problem affecting runners from the recreational to the professional level and everywhere in between. Athlete’s foot, otherwise known as Tinea pedis, is a fungal infection which typically presents in between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet. The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, scaling, drying and redness of the skin; sometimes the skin in between your toes can look white due to the maceration or wetness. Tinea pedis on the bottom of the foot is characterized by a moccasin distribution. The key features to moccasin distribution include scaling and flaking of the skin, which is often misdiagnosed as ‘dry skin.’
The causes of athlete’s foot are very similar to toenail fungus since some of the same infecting organisms can potentially cause both of these infections. The dark, wet, warm, enclosed areas within your sneakers offer a perfect breeding environment for the fungus to thrive. There is high correlation among individuals who develop toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.
Prevention & Treatment:
In order to prevent against athlete’s foot, do not walk barefoot in public places. This includes but is not limited to public locker rooms, showers, and around swimming pools. Athletes at the high school and collegiate level are at increased susceptibility to developing Tinea pedis because of communal locker rooms and showers. After extensive work-outs, if you notice that your running sneakers are moist, make sure you adequately air them out in order to prevent against fungus infiltration. Consider using a Sterishoe, an ultraviolet light treatment that eliminates fungus organisms that have colonized shoes (available at Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic). Change socks frequently and do not re-wear them; also, use socks that breathe well and have wicking properties.
Over the counter topical creams might work and could be a good place to start when attempting to treat your athlete’s foot. One of the most common anti-fungal creams is called Clotrimazole (Lotrimin). If these don’t solve your problem, call us so we can help you. In more severe cases, an oral anti-fungal may be necessary.