ATHLETE'S FOOT
Athlete's foot is caused by Tinea Pedis, a fungus, which likes warm, moist conditions to grow in. The problem is more common in men than women. Athlete's foot usually presents as itchy, flaking skin in the web spaces between the toes. The flakes or scales of skin become white and can crack and begin to peel. Underneath the scales, the skin is usually reddened and may be itchy and sore. The skin may be dry and scaly or moist and weeping. The feet also tend to smell. It is contagious and is easily transmitted from one person to another by contact with infected fragments of skin e.g. in changing rooms. Usually the most affected area is the web space between the fourth and fifth toe. More severe infections may spread to the sole of the foot. If the infection spreads to the toenail, where the nail becomes yellow, thickened and brittle referral the patient should visit their doctor.
TREATMENT
Miconazole: is an imidazole antifungal and is available in cream and powder. It is a very effective antifungal and should be used twice daily. Treatment should be continued for one week after lesions have cleared up to prevent relapse.
Clotrimazole: Is used to treat various types of fungal infections. It is available in a cream and should be used twice daily. As with miconazole treatment should be continued for one week after the infection clears.
Terbinafine: is one of the best anti-fungals to treat athlete's foot. It is available in a cream and spray.
Tolnaftate: Is a safe anti-fungal with no side effects and can be used by all patient groups.
Tea Tree Oil: has anti-fungal properties and can be used to bathe the feet before the application of an anti-fungal cream or powder.
Visit your pharmacist or doctor:
- If the toe nail appears to be infected
- If over the counter treatment has failed or the condition appears to be spreading
- Diabetic patients should always talk to their doctor or pharmacist before using a foot treatment. This is because people with high blood glucose levels can have mild to severe nerve damage called "sensory diabetic neuropathy", meaning they lose the feeling in their hands and feet. Using hand or foot treatments may damage them further without them realising it.
Helpful Tips from Mulligans Pharmacy:
- At Mulligans Pharmacy, we understand that our customers may need treatment for symptoms of a personal or sensitive nature. Our pharmacists are always available for a discreet chat in our private consultation room at your request, or you can ask a Mulligans Pharmacist a question in confidence here.
- Feet should be washed and dried carefully morning and night -especially in between the toes - before treatment in applied
- Use a separate towel for infected foot/feet and do not share towels with anyone else
- Socks and hosiery should be changed daily
- Cotton socks and leather shoes allow feet to breathe, which help the problem
- Trainers and shoes made from synthetic materials can cause feet to sweat so are best avoided
- Dust shoes and socks with antifungal powder
- Patients should wear foot protection in changing rooms
- Patients should continue treatment for a further 7-10 days after the condition appears to have cleared up
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