Fungus infections are named for the part of the body they
infect. Tinea corporis is a fungus infection of the skin on the body
(corporis is the Latin word for body). If you have this infection, you
may see small, red spots that grow into large rings almost anywhere on
your arms, legs or chest.
When a fungus grows in the moist, warm area of the groin, the rash
is called tinea cruris. (Cruris comes from the Latin for leg.) The
common name for this infection is "jock itch." Tinea cruris often
occurs in men, especially if they often wear athletic equipment.
Tinea capitis, which is usually called "ringworm," causes itchy, red
areas, usually on the head (capitis comes from the Latin for head). The
hair is destroyed, leaving bald patches. This tinea infection is most
common in children.
Tinea pedis is usually called "athlete's foot" (Pedis is a Latin
word for foot). The fungus lives on the skin and breeds under warm,
moist conditions. Athlete's foot is more common during hot weather and
sweaty footwear is usually the culprit. Adult males suffer most often
from this condition.
The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a
warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.
The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and
locker rooms, are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the
infection was common among athletes who used these facilities
frequently, the term athlete's foot became popular.
Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such
as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives
in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, also may mimic athlete's foot.
Smelly feet are often caused by sweaty feet. Self-care treatments
are based on keeping the feet clean and dry. Dampness provides an ideal
habitat for bacteria and fungi, which are the main causes of foot odor
and athlete?s foot.
The signs of athlete's foot, singly or combined, are drying skin,
itching scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters often lead to
cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue
are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may
increase as the infection spreads.
Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toe
nails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin
and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch
themselves elsewhere.
There are many medications available for treating athlete's foot.
Most treatment results in control, rather than cure of the condition.
Individuals with diabetes or circulatory problems should take care
especially good care of their feet. It is best to see a medical
professional before starting any treatment. If the infection is caused
by bacteria, antibiotics, such as penicillin, that are effective
against a broad spectrum of bacteria may be prescribed.
Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash and thoroughly dry the affected
area twice each day. Use a cool compress to stop the inflammation, ease
the pain and lessen itching.
Soak your feet in a saltwater bath (two teaspoons of salt to one pint of water) five to 10 minutes, twice a day.
Apply a paste of baking soda and water in between your toes and to
the soles of your feet. After 10 minutes, rinse and dry your feet
thoroughly. Next, dust your feet with cornstarch or talcum powder.
Medicate your feet with an over-the-counter antifungal medication
two or three times a day. Continue to apply the medication up to two
weeks after the infection has disappeared. If the infection doesn't
clear up after self treatment see your doctor.
- Tinea Infections: Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm, American Academy of Family Physicians.
