Home arrow-right-small-blue Topics A—Z arrow-right-small-blue Tinea pedis. Original page created in Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. April Tinea pedis is a foot infection due to a dermatophyte fungus.
It is the most common dermatophyte infection and is particularly prevalent in hot, tropical, urban environments. The three most common dermatophyte fungi causing tinea pedis are:. Infection is usually acquired by direct contact with the causative organism , for example using a shared towel, or by walking barefoot in a public change room.
Tinea pedis tends to be asymmetrical , and may be unilateral. It usually presents in one of three ways:. It can also uncommonly cause oozing and ulceration between the toes ulcerative type , or pustules these are more common in tinea pedis due to T.
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. It can also spread to the toenails and the hands. You can catch the fungus through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus.
The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. A doctor scrapes off a small area of infected skin and places it in potassium hydroxide. The KOH destroys normal cells and leaves the fungal cells untouched so they are easy to see under a microscope. Your doctor may also recommend home treatments to help clear up the infection. Find these OTC antifungal medications on Amazon. Your doctor may recommend that you soak your feet in salt water or diluted vinegar to help dry up blisters.
Tea tree oil can cause contact dermatitis in some people. Find therapeutic-grade tea tree oil on Amazon. Antifungal drugs taken by mouth oral , such as itraconazole and terbinafine , are effective but may have side effects. To possibly reduce recurrences, topical and oral antifungal drugs may be used at the same time. Reducing moisture on the feet and in footwear helps prevent recurrences. Spaces between toes should be thoroughly towel-dried after bathing.
To help keep the feet dry, people may apply antifungal powders such as miconazole , gentian violet, or aluminum chloride solution or soak their feet in Burow solution aluminum subacetate. See also table Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin Topical Drugs Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin Topical Drugs Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts.
From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in as a service to the community.
Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. Commonly searched drugs. Fungal Skin Infections. How Is Athlete's Foot Diagnosed? How Is Athlete's Foot Treated?
Can Athlete's Foot Be Prevented? Athlete's foot often can be prevented. To avoid it: Keep feet clean and dry by washing them daily and drying them completely, especially between the toes. Use a clean towel and avoid sharing. Wear waterproof shoes or flip-flops when walking around in locker rooms, public showers, and public pool areas. Switch between wearing shoes or sneakers to prevent the build-up of moisture.
Choose ones that are well-ventilated with small holes to keep the feet dry. Avoid socks that trap moisture or make the feet sweat. Instead, choose cotton or wool socks or ones made of fabric that wicks away moisture.
0コメント