$Unique_ID{BRK01041}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{A Case of Athlete's Foot That Just Won't Quit}
$Subject{athlete's foot ill defined symptoms symptom skin feet sensitive dye
dyes contact dermatitis scaling fissuring itching swelling wet packs Burrow's
solution corticosteroid cream occlusive therapy synthetic synthetics
sensitivity}
$Volume{N-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Case of Athlete's Foot That Just Won't Quit


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Despite all precautions, and vast quantities of over the counter
medications, I have a case of athlete's foot that just won't quit.  I change
my socks one or twice during each game of basketball, use foot powder and the
like all to no avail.  What am I doing wrong?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Your stubborn foot problem may not be athlete's foot at all.  Many
people today are sensitive to the dyes and synthetics that go into the making
of shoes, socks and stockings.  The symptoms of this contact dermatitis are
remarkably similar to those of athlete's foot:  scaling, fissuring (splits in
the skin), itching.  With contact dermatitis, however, itching begins early,
swelling is common, and, a big clue, the webs between the toes are
symptom-free, a site where athlete's foot usually strikes.  Another broad hint
is that contact dermatitis does not respond to the antifungal medications the
drugstore stocks for athlete's foot.  You are going to have to change your
treatment strategy.  The treatment for feet with contact dermatitis is wet
packs soaked with Burrow's solution, available at any pharmacy.  If the
problem is very severe or does not respond to these simple soaks, it may
require a corticosteroid cream, used as the medication in "occlusive therapy"
where the cream is applied overnight and the feet are sealed in plastic bags
(sandwich bags will do) overnight.  The cure is identifying the offending
footwear and/or chemicals that are causing the problem.  For this you will
need to have a patch test performed, which can help to isolate the exact cause
of the rash.  Then get rid of those shoes that have been the source of all
your foot aches.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.