Affect the Skin Between the Toes

The cleft between the fourth and fifth toes is the most frequently affected, with moist soft skin that peels off easily. Often the skin splits uncomfortably (a fissure). It may smell unpleasant. It is generally mild; very inflamed athlete's foot is generally due to secondary bacterial infection.

Causes

Athlete's foot can be due to one factor or a combination of factors.

• Bacterial infection (erythrasma, pseudomonas, Staphylococci and Streptococci).
• Mould infection.
• Soft corn (build-up of thick skin because the toes are pressing against each other).
• Injury e.g. over-vigorous removal of peeling skin.
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or keratolysis exfoliativa.
• Fungal infection (tinea pedis).

Predisposing factors

Athlete's foot is more common in those who participate in sports because:

• They may wear occlusive footwear.
• They sweat heavily.
• They may fail to dry their feet carefully after showering.
• They are exposed to fungal spores on the surfaces of communal areas.

Treatment

Treatment for athlete's foot should begin with general measures.

• Dry carefully between the toes.
• Keep toes apart using a cotton or foam wedge.
• Wear shoes that are loose around the toes or go bare foot.
• Apply a topical antifungal agent. These may also control many of the bacteria responsible for athlete's foot.

Source: dermnetnz

 
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