Many long-time runners complain of itchiness in their feet. This is a common manifestation of a fungal infection of the foot, or athlete's foot. This fungal condition thrives in warm and moist environments. Though the infection can be irritating, it is rarely serious. Treatment involves the use of topical antifungal medication and maintenance of proper foot hygiene, though recurrences are common.
Cause of Athlete's Foot
According to "Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine," athlete's foot is the most common kind of ringworm infestation in humans. The common fungi causing this condition -- also called tinea pedis -- are Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum. These fungi are normal organisms found on the skin but can cause disease when they grow in excess. The fungi thrive in warm, damp and close environments and thus are commonly found in runners' feet. Athlete's foot is contagious and is caused by contact with contaminated surfaces like socks, floors and shoes.
Symptoms
Athlete's foot often causes an itchy rash between the toes. The skin in the surrounding area may show peeling. In some kinds of infection, there may be blistering of the skin, which may ooze. Individuals may complain of itchiness and burning sensation in the feet. Athlete's foot may occur alongside other fungal infections like jock itch.
Diagnosis
A physician can usually make a diagnosis of athlete's foot by looking at a patient's skin. Care should be taken in diabetics and in those with atypical symptoms like swelling of the skin and fever, as these could be due to a bacterial infection. A skin culture or a skin biopsy can be performed to make a definitive diagnosis, but this is usually not needed.
Treatment
You can manage athlete's foot with topical antifungal lotions. These contain ingredients such as miconazole, clotrimazole or tolnaftate. Because the fungus grows slowly, it may take weeks to eradicate the infection. Patients should use the medicine two to four weeks after symptoms have cleared to prevent a recurrence. In addition to these measures, patients should keep their feet and toes dry, wear clean socks and shoes, and wash their feet thoroughly with soap and water for at least twice a day. These measures are usually sufficient to resolve a case of tinea pedis.
Prevention
Athlete's foot can be prevented with simple hygiene measures. Feet should be dried after bathing. Runners should ensure they wear sanitary footwear. They should change socks regularly -- ideally several times a day. When not running, using shoes made from natural materials such as leather can be beneficial.
References
- "Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine"; Nicholas Boon, et al.; 2010
- Pub Med Health: Athlete's Foot
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