Tinea of the foot or athlete's foot is extremely common condition in Australia. It can be acute or chronic and is aggravated by heat and perspiration. It is probable that fungus is on the skin and feet of most people. Under certain circumstances associated with poor hygiene, and the failure to dry the feet thoroughly, particularly in between the toes, the fungus breaks through the skin barrier to produce signs and symptoms of tinea. These include itching, burning and stinging as the first symptoms. Small watery blisters under the skin can form with a with a breakdown particularly in between the toes into a more inflamed mushy area. Bacterial infection can occur in association with this original fungus infection and this can produce intense pain and discomfort.



Some people are more prone to attacks of tinea than others. Prevention rather than treatment is the first essential. Personal hygiene is important. After bathing or exercise or even after a sticky hot day in the work place, wash your feet thoroughly and be sure to dry thoroughly and powder with talc, particularly in between the toes. In people prone to recurrent attacks of tinea, rubber sandals should be worn in community showers and bathing places. Let your feet breathe by wearing open toed shoes and sandals particularly in summer. Powder your toes before retiring and separate the toes with small wads of cotton wool. Cotton socks rather than woollen socks may be a help.

Once tinea has developed simple anti-fungal medication is available through chemists. If these measures fail then it is sensible to consult your doctor. In recent years, strains of fungi have appeared which are resistant to the simple anti-fungal medication available through chemists. In these cases your doctor might have to identify the exact organism by taking skin samples and culturing procedures in the pathology laboratory. New medication both in application form and in the form of oral medication might be necessary and this is only available on prescription.