Athletes Foot Essay

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Athlete’s Foot: Tinea Pedis
DEFINITION
• Athlete’s foot is also known as ringworm of the foot.
• It is a contagious fungal infection of the skin of the foot (particularly the upper layers of epidermis) caused by the fungus, Trichophyton or Epidermophyton floccosum.
AETIOLOGY
• Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes, a group of parasitic fungi that cause infections in the outer layers of the skin.
• The fungi flourish in warm and humid conditions making area such as public swimming pools, public showers and locker rooms common areas for the spread of athlete’s foot.
PATHOGENESIS
• Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can be spread via:
• Direct contact with the skin of an infected person or
• Indirect contact with contaminated objects such as towels, linen, clothing and shoes.
• The most common causative fungi are:
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes - causing toe web or blister-like. Infection is sudden, severe and easily treated.
Trichophyton rubrum - causing moccasin-type infections. Infection is chronic and difficult to treat.
• Not all people exposed to the fungi become in...

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