Athlete's Foot | Dr. Audris M. Tien | Orange County
Don't be embarrassed by your feet.
Athlete's foot, sometimes referred to as Tinea Pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes or on the soles of your feet. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and moist environment that encourages fungus growth.
Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may persist for long periods.
Your podiatrist will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, may usually be suggested. Such treatment provides better resolution of the problem when the patient follows the course of treatment prescribed by the podiatrist; if it's shortened, failure of the treatment is common. Topical or oral antifungal drugs are often prescribed. If the infection is caused by bacteria and not fungus, antibiotics that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, such as penicillin, may be prescribed.
It is easy to prevent athlete's foot where bare feet come in contact with the fungus by practicing good foot hygiene. You can prevent fungal infection by practicing the following:
Wear synthetic blend socks that wick away moisture, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily