Athlete’s foot can occur anywhere on the body but is especially common in between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet where the moisture level tends to be higher. A fungal infection on the bottom of the foot is known as moccasin tinea pedis as it typically covers the sole and sides of the foot like a moccasin or slipper.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by a particular fungus known as dermatophytes. It is referred to as “Athlete’s foot” because it’s often picked up in places that athletes frequent, such as showers, gyms and change rooms. These places are not the only sources of infection though. As mentioned previously, fungus lives where it is warm, dark and moist.  Our socks and shoes are the ideal breeding ground for fungus to set up shop! When skin is too moist, it tends to be weaker and may be more susceptible to fungus and other microorganisms.

What Does Athlete’s Foot Feel and Look Like?

In between the toes:

• The skin in between toes may appear white, peeling, cracked, and could feel itchy, have a burning or stinging sensation.
• Inflamed skin in between toes can present as red, purple or grey.
• White indicates the skin is macerated or wet.

Bottoms of the feet:

• The skin on the sole and sides of the foot is typically itchy and may appear dry and scaly with peeling skin. Moccasin tinea pedis is often mistaken for dry skin.
• This type of fungal infection tends to be long-lasting and difficult to eradicate, making proper diagnosis and prompt treatment imperative.
• In more severe cases, small blisters or openings in the skin can develop as part of the rash.

 How Can Athlete’s Foot be Treated?

It is important to seek treatment from a Primary Care Professional or a BioPed Medical Footcare Clinician if this skin issue becomes persistent or causes discomfort. Diabetes or a suppressed immune system can increase risk for complications as this type of infection can easily worsen and spread.

• At home, it’s important to wash and dry in between the toes daily.
• If moisture persists, rubbing alcohol can help to dry up overly wet tissue. Applying it with a cotton tip applicator and allowing it to dry before putting socks on, can help!
• Over-the-counter and prescription antifungal creams and solutions are effective when applied as directed.
• If moccasin tinea pedisdoes not resolve with topical treatments, an oral medication may be required to cure the infection.

Your Shoes Need Treatment Too!

Firstly, do not share shoes, this type of infection is contagious! Allow shoes to air out between wears and change socks frequently if feet are sweaty. Clean Sweep spray can be used in shoes to disinfect and eradicate the presence of microorganisms. If used properly, odour and fungal burden will dissipate quickly! Ultraviolet lights made to fit in shoes are also an effective way of making sure fungus is gone, lessening the chance of reinfection.

How Can BioPed Help?

If you think you might have a fungal foot infection, we can help! We have treated our clients for many conditions, including Athlete’s foot. Give your local BioPed Footcare & Orthotics a call today to find out the next best steps and get the care your feet deserve!

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Psoriatic plaques form due to a faster than normal turnover of skin cells. Under normal circumstances, new skin cells rise to the surface of the skin once a month. Then, the old skin cells die and slough off, allowing the new skin cells to emerge. In people who have psoriasis, the new skin cells move to the surface so rapidly that the dead cells are unable to shed in time, resulting in plaques.

Who is at risk for psoriasis?

Research suggests psoriasis is caused by genetics and environmental factors. It is also affected by the immune system, which means if your immune system is weakened, you may be more susceptible. For those living with psoriasis, there are certain triggers that may cause worsening of symptoms, including stress, illness and injury to the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious or spread from person to person.

How does psoriasis affect your feet?

Psoriatic plaques often develop on the soles of the feet which can make walking uncomfortable. If plaques are left untreated, the skin could crack and bleed, increasing risk for infection. Pain when walking may change how you walk, placing more pressure and weight on nearby joints as you attempt to avoid painful areas on the feet.

Psoriasis can also affect your toenails by changing the way they look and feel. Toenails tend to be thin, weak, and more brittle, and may have indentations called “pitting.” They can also become discoloured, appearing yellow or brown.

Psoriasis can also cause joint inflammation. This is referred to as psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Typically, the smaller foot joints in the feet are targeted, such as those in the toes. Inflammation of these joints causes toes to swell resulting in “sausage toes”, known as dactylitis. A prompt diagnosis is crucial as undiagnosed PsA can lead to joint destruction, weak bones and damage to organs in the body.

What treatments exist for psoriasis?

Several conditions and some medications can cause dry, itchy skin on the feet. It’s important to understand why you’re experiencing skin discomfort or irritation. If you are at risk for psoriasis, please consult your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to determine if psoriasis is the issue at hand. Routine medical footcare appointments can help skin and nail issues associated with psoriasis. BioPed’s Medical Footcare clinicians are trained to assess and treat nail and skin issues on the feet. If psoriatic arthritis is causing you to suffer with joint pain, please call your local BioPed today to book an assessment with one of our Canadian Certified Pedorthists or Registered Chiropodists, to determine your best treatment options!

Our team of lower limb clinicians can offer relief by modifying shoes to offer more comfort and/or recommending orthotics to help with offloading painful joints, with the goal of slowing down the progression of joint complications. At BioPed Footcare, we create personalized solutions for you, to help you get wherever you want to go!

Book your complementary Assessment with BioPed today!

At BioPed, we keep you moving! Our Pedorthists, Chiropodists, and Medical Footcare Nurses work closely together to ensure that you receive the best solution and care possible when preventing or treating any foot, ankle, or leg condition. 

Since 1981 BioPed Footcare & Orthotics has proudly helped more than 1 million Canadians. We provide custom orthotic solutions, custom compression solutions, fitted bracing solutions, fitted and custom footwear, and medical footcare solutions, including surgical and non-surgical solutions. 

If you are suffering with any kind of lower limb or foot pain, book a complementary assessment today and get back to doing more of the things you love in life! Start by finding your local Clinic here https://www.bioped.com/locations/ 

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