Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet, most commonly occurring between the toes. It is not dangerous but can be uncomfortable and can quickly spread to the nails or other parts of the body.
How to recognize athlete’s foot?
With proper care, athlete’s foot usually heals quickly, and prevention is key to avoiding recurrence.
Tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the feet that can lead to serious complications in diabetic patients, including ulcers. This is why prevention is extremely important, especially for diabetic patients who are more susceptible to infections.
Tinea pedis is one of the dermatophytoses, one of the most common skin infections in the world, caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. It typically affects the feet. Fungal skin infections are contagious, can become chronic, and may spread to other parts of the body or to other people. While not life-threatening, they can significantly affect quality of life.
Tinea pedis occurs in three forms:
The most common causative agents of tinea pedis are the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Related terms “athlete’s foot” and “sport foot” also refer to infections caused by yeasts and molds.
Why are diabetics more at risk?
In diabetic patients, tinea pedis can lead to diabetic foot, a serious complication involving infections, ulcers, and deep tissue destruction. In extreme cases, amputation may be necessary if the infection progresses. Fungi attach to the skin surface in the stratum corneum, where they live parasitically within corneocytes. Regular washing of the feet with soap reduces the number of fungi and prevents their penetration into deeper layers of skin. Studies show that proper foot hygiene significantly reduces the risk of tinea pedis in diabetics.
Risk Factors
The interior environment of shoes is a key factor. Closed shoes made of artificial materials increase temperature and moisture, promoting fungal growth. Wearing open shoes or footwear made of natural materials significantly reduces the risk of tinea pedis.
How to prevent tinea pedis?
Tinea pedis in diabetics is not just an aesthetic issue, but can lead to serious health complications. Regular foot hygiene, proper footwear, and educating patients about the risks are essential for preventing infection and maintaining quality of life.
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