Page 95 - LECTURE NOTES

4.4.3 Tinea pedis (Ringworm of the feet: Athlete’s foot)

Fungal infection of foot is one of the common fungal infections and it may appear as an
acute or chronic infection to the soles of the feet or the space between the toes and

some times a mixture of fungal, bacterial and yeast infections occur. There are dry scaly
types of lesion. Others are vesicular type of lesion the thred group is macerated lesion

between toes, especially between the thred, fourth and, fifth toes.

a) Mode of transmission
Contact with an infected person i.e. sharing patient shoes and socks, or in

showers or swimming pools

b) Clinical manifestation

In acute stage there will be red weeping vesicles that can be accompanied with
itching and burning sensation.

The nail may also be involve with chronic infection
Lymphangitis & cellulitis may be seen when bacterial super infections occurs.

c) Management and Nursing intervention

¾ During the acute (vesicular) phase, soaks of burrow solution, slain or potassium

permanganate are used to remove the crusts, scales and debris and reduce the
inflammation.

¾ Topical antifungal (Miconazole, clotrimazole) applied to the infected area. Topical

therapy is continued for at least 8 weekes weeks, because of recurrence.

¾ Keep the foot clean and dry daily and tell the patient to use clean socks

¾ Moisture encourages the growth of fungi, the pt is instructed to keep the feet as
dry as possible

¾ Pieces of cotton can be placed between the toes at night to absorb moisture.

¾ Clean shoes daily or boil soaks.

¾ Remove dead tissue and dry well between the toes.

¾ Advise the patient to wear light and open foot wear

¾ Apply dusting powder such as zinc oxide powders for the purpose of drying.

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