You don't need to be an Athlete to have Athletes foot

Jun 29, 20202 min read

Updated: Jul 13, 2020

Has COVID-19 given you the sudden urge to “get fit” and start a new exercise regime? Team exercising more combined with Winter weather where we tend to wear enclosed shoes more and we can often end up with Tinea.

Tinea Pedis, commonly known as ‘Athletes Foot” is a fungal infection, which can present in different ways all over the body. Tinea Pedis specifically affects the feet. It is a fungal infection which thrives in moist, wet, dark environments. So, your foot sitting inside a sock, sitting inside a shoe all day, is the perfect environment for Tinea to develop and thrive!

If your feet are dirty and remain wet or moist, e.g. those engaged in fitness (hence the name, Athletes foot!) this is a perfect recipe for developing a fungal infection. Even if you do not exercise often, if you have tight contracted toes with a lack of space between them this creates a nice environment for Tinea to brew.

What does Tinea look like?

Tinea pedis can present in many ways depending on the type of infection.

The most common presentation of Tinea includes:

Red
Itchy (Does not always have to be)
Scaly peeling rash like skin which appears often between the toes and on the soles of the feet

If not treated it can break down and cause the skin to open and bleed. Due to the fact your toes don’t have much room between them it can be difficult to get air flow between them and make drying them after a shower or physical activity more complicated, allowing them to fall victim to Tinea.

Tinea can affect the sole of the foot, instep and heel with dry peeling skin, blisters and rash.

How we treat Tinea

The appropriate treatment for Tinea will depend on the severity of the condition. Like many fungal infections, Tinea can be treated easily however can occasionally be known to be particularly stubborn in clearing the fungus. If left untreated, Tinea can become cracked, painful and more widespread.

There are many different types of topical creams for Tinea Pedis, all with different anti-fungal agents in them. Identifying the correct one for you is important so that your symptoms are managed.

Across our clinics we have a variety of topical anti-fungal treatment options that we choose dependant on your specific presentation and symptoms.