What is Athlete's Foot? 

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the feet, that can affect the skin and nails. 

Causes? 

• Direct contact with someone with active tinea pedis
• Thrives in warm, moist, damp conditions increasing the risk of infection  in shower rooms, bathroom sand swimming pools

Risk Factors: 

• Feet prone to perspiring 
• Sharing socks, shoes or towel with someone with an active infection 
• Keeping feet wet for long periods of time 
• Walking barefoot in public areas - eg. swimming pool, gym changing rooms 

Symptoms: 

• Fissures or cracks in the skin between the toes 
• Redness and itching between the toes 
• Dry blistering on the feet 
• Discoloured, brittle and thickened toenails 

Treatment: 

• Over the counter topical antifungal powders and creams - eg. Daktarin 
• In severe cases, a GP may prescribe oral antifungal medication 

If you feel you have a current fungal infection of the skin or nails, please contact the clinic and make a routine appointment for advice regarding treatment options 

Aishling Forkan 

Podiatrist 

BSc (Hons) Pod. MChSI.