Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the feet, most often affecting toe web spaces. It thrives in warm, moist environments.
Symptoms
Itching, peeling, and cracking between toes. Moccasin-type causes diffuse sole scaling. Blistering forms can occur on the instep.
Causes and risk
Dermatophyte fungi thrive in moist footwear. Shared showers, tight shoes, and immunosuppression increase risk. Can serve as an entry point for leg cellulitis.
How it is evaluated
Clinical diagnosis; KOH confirms fungal elements. We check for concurrent fungal nail infection and bacterial secondary infection.
Treatment
Topical antifungals for two to four weeks are first-line. Keeping feet dry prevents recurrence. Concurrent nail infection may need oral therapy. Our Chicago team provides prevention-focused care.