Reasonable Rascal
11-26-01, 11:31
Used with permission of the author.
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Here is a bit of info on "athletes foot" and fungus infections. FYI since this is my first post here, I am just a hick country doc from the sticks, but have a bit of experience in the military, civilian LE & SWAT, SAR & disaster med, and do a bit of training for folks now and again. Do a search on the TEMS thread at Tactical Forums if you want a few of my other ramblings
There are a variety of dermatophytes that produce human infection, as well as certain types of yeast. They can produce no symptoms but often lead to itching, swelling, dry scaling of the skin, pain, blisters, and hair loss.
Foot infections, tinea pedis, are quite frequent. Commonly they show up in between the toes with red scaly skin, cracks, pain. Interestingly, the space between the third & fourth toes is often the starting area. Sometimes you will also see dry thick skin, and more rarely blisters or vesicles. Yeast infection is often associated with a white to yellow cheesy discharge also.
Note that it is possible, perhaps common to get secondary bacterial infections in addition to the primary fungus infection. Make a note of that, if your foot "fungus" is not improving with treatment.
Diagnosis is usually by exam, although you can scrape off skin onto a slide, apply a drop or two of potassium hydroxide (KOH) heat it gently and examine under a low power microscope for the classic "spaghetti and meatball" appearance of hyphae - easily recognized from a lab manual. A woods lamp or "black light" unit will cause many dermatophytes and yeast to glow yellow, yellow-green, or coral red.
The differential diagnosis of tinea pedis includes bacterial infection, psoriasis, eczema, irritation dermatitis, vascular problems, syphilis (ya!), and some rarer probs.
Treatment of tinea pedis normally involves keeping the area clean & dry, and use of a topical antifungal cream such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (many brand names), or terconazole (Terazol). Note that these are found in reduced strength over the counter formulations including vaginal creams, and stronger prescription formulations. Treatment will need to be continued for 4-6 weeks. Some infections are extensive or deep and require oral meds. Fungus infections under nails or in the scalp require oral meds for months.
*****NOTE***** these medications can produce allergic reactions, can interact with certain antibiotic and cardiac medications (among others), and can produce liver damage in rare cases. Read the labels! Do not use if you are taking prescription medications without checking first with you physician! Do not use if you have liver disease without checking with your physician!
*****NOTE***** fungal infections that do not resolve can be a sign of underlying disease, including Diabetes. If your "athletes foot" fails to clear see a doctor!
For prevention, agree with ISC. Keep feet clean and dry at all times. Foot powder and sock changes ASAP wet or sweaty feet. Alcohol, potassium permanganate, or gentian violet can be used on the skin (the later two will give you pretty skin colors) are good if you don't have broken down skin. Vaseline is a good lubricant, if you don't gob on so much that your socks slip and bunch up.
*****Note***** that if you have a fungal infection on your feet you have it on your insoles and in your shoes as well. They will have to be washed in hot soapy water and well dried, or bleached, or replaced, or you will just get it again and again. If in communal shower situations us flip-flops and alcohol after you are out of the shower.
Dermatologist? Naa, any hick doctor should be able to handle this, and you won't have to wait 3-6 months to get in.
Hope this helps,
"RESQDOC"
Keith
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Here is a bit of info on "athletes foot" and fungus infections. FYI since this is my first post here, I am just a hick country doc from the sticks, but have a bit of experience in the military, civilian LE & SWAT, SAR & disaster med, and do a bit of training for folks now and again. Do a search on the TEMS thread at Tactical Forums if you want a few of my other ramblings
There are a variety of dermatophytes that produce human infection, as well as certain types of yeast. They can produce no symptoms but often lead to itching, swelling, dry scaling of the skin, pain, blisters, and hair loss.
Foot infections, tinea pedis, are quite frequent. Commonly they show up in between the toes with red scaly skin, cracks, pain. Interestingly, the space between the third & fourth toes is often the starting area. Sometimes you will also see dry thick skin, and more rarely blisters or vesicles. Yeast infection is often associated with a white to yellow cheesy discharge also.
Note that it is possible, perhaps common to get secondary bacterial infections in addition to the primary fungus infection. Make a note of that, if your foot "fungus" is not improving with treatment.
Diagnosis is usually by exam, although you can scrape off skin onto a slide, apply a drop or two of potassium hydroxide (KOH) heat it gently and examine under a low power microscope for the classic "spaghetti and meatball" appearance of hyphae - easily recognized from a lab manual. A woods lamp or "black light" unit will cause many dermatophytes and yeast to glow yellow, yellow-green, or coral red.
The differential diagnosis of tinea pedis includes bacterial infection, psoriasis, eczema, irritation dermatitis, vascular problems, syphilis (ya!), and some rarer probs.
Treatment of tinea pedis normally involves keeping the area clean & dry, and use of a topical antifungal cream such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (many brand names), or terconazole (Terazol). Note that these are found in reduced strength over the counter formulations including vaginal creams, and stronger prescription formulations. Treatment will need to be continued for 4-6 weeks. Some infections are extensive or deep and require oral meds. Fungus infections under nails or in the scalp require oral meds for months.
*****NOTE***** these medications can produce allergic reactions, can interact with certain antibiotic and cardiac medications (among others), and can produce liver damage in rare cases. Read the labels! Do not use if you are taking prescription medications without checking first with you physician! Do not use if you have liver disease without checking with your physician!
*****NOTE***** fungal infections that do not resolve can be a sign of underlying disease, including Diabetes. If your "athletes foot" fails to clear see a doctor!
For prevention, agree with ISC. Keep feet clean and dry at all times. Foot powder and sock changes ASAP wet or sweaty feet. Alcohol, potassium permanganate, or gentian violet can be used on the skin (the later two will give you pretty skin colors) are good if you don't have broken down skin. Vaseline is a good lubricant, if you don't gob on so much that your socks slip and bunch up.
*****Note***** that if you have a fungal infection on your feet you have it on your insoles and in your shoes as well. They will have to be washed in hot soapy water and well dried, or bleached, or replaced, or you will just get it again and again. If in communal shower situations us flip-flops and alcohol after you are out of the shower.
Dermatologist? Naa, any hick doctor should be able to handle this, and you won't have to wait 3-6 months to get in.
Hope this helps,
"RESQDOC"
Keith