Chiropody

Most feet are effectively locked up in leather coffins for up to 12 hours a day so it is not surprising that fungal skin infections are most commonly found here.  The warm, enclosed (and often moist) environment provides ideal conditions for the various fungal organisms to flourish and spread.  The problem is exacerbated by the fact that in recent years more and more individuals are exercising to keep fit – providing the optimum conditions for fungus, and permitting further spread through use of communal fitness areas such as gym changing rooms or swimming pools.

Fungal skin infections can be caused by different types of organisms, and consequently can present in different ways.  The three most common presentations of the foot are listed below:

Athletes Foot (Tinea Pedis): The most common presentation alleged to occur in up to 20% of adults at some point in their life.  Symptoms are usually itchy sore pale soggy skin between the toes, most commonly in the web space between the little toe and the one next to it.

Moccassin Foot: Affecting the soles of both feet and often mistaken for simply dry skin, this presents as very dry dusty skin overlying a scaly and often red background.  It is called moccasin foot as it appears like a pair of ‘slippers – affecting the soles and outside margins of the feet.

Vesicular presentation: Very small vesicles (spot like blisters) over the soles of the feet which may burst and then dry up.  Often accompanied by some local irritation/itching.

First line treatment is often in the form of a topical antifungal cream or spray such as Lamisil.  Lamisil tends to be more effective than some of the other brands available as it is fungicidal as opposed to most which are fungistatic (it kills the fungal population rather than just prevents them from spreading).  Application of this for 1-2 weeks should usually bring good results.  For persistent infections or symptoms that do not clear up as expected it is best to consult your GP.

It is also worth remembering that fungal spore can hang around for long periods of time in footwear, and potentially re-infect you when you put them back on.  It may be advisable to therefore treat the footwear with an antifungal agent also (as a general rule think cream or spray for feet, but spray or powder for shoes).

For the between the toes sogginess the best treatment (and preventative) is to swab the area with a cotton wool ball soaked in surgical spirit.  As this is alcohol based it will dry the area as it evaporates off of the skin.  (Beware – do not do this if the skin is cracked or open).
Finally a good daily hygiene routine including regular changing of socks (a good choice of breathable natural fibres such as cotton) and ensuring skin is fully dried after bathing should speed up the recovery from this frustrating skin complaint.