Athlete's Foot - Podiatry Corner

Athlete’s foot is the common name for tinea pedis. It is a skin infection caused by a group of dermatophytes (fungi) and is closely related to other fungal infections such as jock itch and ringworm. Tinea typically manifests between the toes and occasionally on the soles of the feet. Whilst the skin typically acts as a barrier to these types of infections, certain conditions create a favourable environment for tinea to spread. Warm, moist environments (such as sweaty, hot feet and tight-fitting shoes and socks) predispose people to tinea pedis. Tinea can spread rapidly and is highly contagious, being able to spread through infected surfaces, towels and clothing. 

The symptoms of tinea may vary from one person to another. Commonly, symptoms include redness, itching, stinging, scaling and peeling skin. Some people experience foot odour and may even notice small fluid filled vesicles. Treatment of tinea pedis can be difficult and requires patient compliance. The treatment should be approached in two stages: firstly, to treat the infection and secondly to prevent the recurrence. 

Treatment involves topical antifungals (such as terbinafine or clotrimazole) commonly found in products with brand names such as Daktarin and Canesten. Additionally, the following self-care tips will assist in reducing the recurrence of tinea pedis: 

- Washing feet regularly and drying thoroughly 
- Spraying feet with methylated spirits to dry the skin and reduce moisture
- Regularly change socks especially when sweaty 
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight 
- Avoid synthetic fibres in socks 
- Use a separate towel to dry feet to avoid spreading the infection

The Comfort Co Breakdown (What is Athlete's Foot?) 

Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments, causing itching, redness, and peeling skin. Treatment includes antifungal creams and preventive steps like keeping feet clean, dry, and avoiding tight shoes.

The Comfort Co Solutions

The Comfort Co unfortunately can’t help you with the majority of treatment for Athlete's Foot. However, we can help it not get any worse. But the rest is on you (you got this!) 

OS1st Antimicrobial Socks - All of the socks in the OS1st range are anti-bacterial. While this won’t clear up your Athlete's Foot on its own, it’ll certainly take steps to help. 

SizeRight - A big cause of Athlete’s Foot is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. The Comfort Co can help you get this right, every time! Here’s how: 

1) Search any of the product pages on our website using your mobile phone (we’ve hyperlinked Vitasole Walker because we REALLY like those shoes and think you will too) look for the icon.

2) Follow the prompts and get a fully accurate shoe measurement.

3) Order some of the best fitting shoes you'll ever have.

If you’re still a bit iffy, don’t worry about it! The Comfort Co has an exceptional Return Policy so you can have another go absolutely free of charge.