Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)

Tinea pedis is the technical term for athlete’s foot – an infection of the skin with filamentous fungi (dermatophytes). It is a form of dermatomycosis and one of the most common skin diseases of all.

Forms

• interdigital mycosis: white, softened, itchy skin, often between the 4th and 5th toes
• moccasin type: dry, scaly skin on the sole and the edge of the foot
• vesicular form: small, itchy blisters on the arch

Infection

The fungi are transmitted via skin flakes – especially when walking barefoot in swimming pools, saunas, showers and changing rooms. Damp, warm feet in tight shoes promote infection.

Treatment

An antifungal from the pharmacy (cream, spray, gel) – applied consistently and for some time after symptoms have cleared. If left untreated, the fungus can spread to the nails (nail fungus). With diabetes, athlete’s foot must be taken particularly seriously because cracks are an entry point for bacteria. More in our guide Athlete’s foot.