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Tinea
pedis
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- A common fungal infection that
affects the spaces between toes (Interdigital spaces) and
the sole of the foot.
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- White Scaly Skin causes an
itching on the bottom of the foot and in between the toes.
The skin will eventually soften, causing the whitish borders
to peel off easily. The center of the lesion may be
irritated, red, and in some cases, a watery discharge can be
seen.
- Other types of Tinea Pedis may be
the moccasin variety (white, thick, dense and scaly sole),
which consists of large areas of cracked skin, inflammation,
fluid filled vesicles or bullae.
- White/pink Scaly Skin in the
affected areas, with no itching
whatsoever.
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- Made upon a clinical examination
- A scraping of the skin in the affected area can be put
on a glass slide and stained with Potassium hydroxide. When viewed under a
microscope, this will show the branched structure of the
fungus.
- If needed, the scraping can be sent out to laboratory
for culturing and identifying the
exact type of the
fungus
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- Humid and warm environments -- socks, locker room
showers, and floors of swimming pools.
- Hot weather
- Athletic activities
- Tight fitting shoes (e.g., ballet shoes)
- Immunosuppressed such as those with AIDS on long-term steroids
or cancer treatments
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- Dermatophytes (e.g., trichophyton,
epidermophyton) and fungi (mold like organisms).
- Normally live in the dead layers of skin, nails, and hair follicles. It is transmitted through minor cuts on the skin. If conditions are just right, Tinea Pedis will grow
and cause symptoms.
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- Make sure to dry your feet after
showering
- Wear shower or pool shoes in public
places
- Wear shoes that allow for good
ventilation
- Avoid wearing shoes for long
periods of time
- Wear socks that keep the feet dry
- Antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole) are applied twice daily, while cortisone is added if there is inflammation or severe itching (e.g., Lotrisone) for 2-4
weeks.
- For severe cases, oral medications such as Sporanox, griseofulvin, and Diflucan may be
prescribed.
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