Athlete's foot: Q&A with professional nail technician, Wendy-Ann Pompey

We know how uncomfortable an athlete's foot can be, so we bring you quick and clear answers to your most common questions through an interview with our Trinidad and Tobago pedicure partner, Wendy-Ann Pompey.

What is athlete's foot usually known as?

Wendy-Ann: Athlete's foot is also called Tinea Pedis in medical terms.

What does an athlete's foot look like?

Wendy-Ann: Athlete’s foot usually starts between the toes, it can either be dry and flaky or white and rubbery. Athlete’s foot also causes the skin on the soles of the feet to thicken and peel, and in very rare cases athlete's foot can cause fluid-filled bumps on the feet.

Are athlete's foot and toenail fungus related?

Wendy-Ann: Yes they are, both athlete's foot and nail mycosis (nail fungus) are caused by microscopic organisms, however, it is important to note that athlete's foot is only caused by a dermatophyte while nail fungus also caused by non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts.

Are athlete's foot and ringworms the same thing?

Wendy-Ann: Athlete's foot is ringworm, so let me explain what ringworm is. Ringworm is a skin rash that is caused by a fungus called dermatophyte. The rash is commonly called ringworm because of the ring shape it creates on the skin.

Can athlete's foot spread?

Wendy-Ann: Unlike a nail fungus that rarely spreads through direct contact from person to person without the involvement of some type of fomite, athlete's foot is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person.

Photo by Lina Kraftsoff on Unsplash

How is athlete's foot transmitted?

Wendy-Ann: Athlete's foot is transmitted through infected flakes of skin either through direct contact in public showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms or through fomites such as shoes, socks, towels, among others.

Can athlete's foot cause swelling in our toes?

Wendy-Ann: In very rare cases athlete's foot can cause swelling. This may be the case if a bacteria infects the skin.

What type of treatment is used to cure athlete's foot?

Wendy-Ann: Athlete's foot is usually treated with over-the-counter creams, sprays, and powder-like Lamisil and Tinactin, in some cases prescription medication may be required, however as a professional podologist I prefer products with highly effective natural ingredients like Imperial Feet’s Athletes Foot Solution.

What are some of the natural ingredients in Imperial Feet’s Athletes Foot Solution?

Wendy-Ann: Imperial Feet's Athletes Foot Solution contains ingredients such as melaleuca oil, known as tea tree oil, which has natural anti-fungal properties. It also includes aloe vera which soothes and heals the skin, as well as a natural but potent fungicide called Nipaguard PO5.

What to do when athlete's foot won't go away?

Wendy-Ann: Athletes' foot won't go away if it's not treated.

...If you want to know even more about this topic, your wishes have been granted.

Stay tuned for the second part of our interview very soon and have an Imperial Day!