Dahling Dora: OH-MY-GAWD IT'S ATHLETE'S FOOT!

Help Dora, I think I might have athlete's foot! How did this happen and what should I do?

Tortured Toes



Dear TT,

That is unfortunate, but first and foremost, I'm not your doctor. You should feel comfortable enough to go to your doctor when medical problems arise or at the very least for Ontario residents give Telehealth a call at 1-866-797-0000, TTY : 1-866-797-0007. But in the meantime let's learn a lil' about Tinea Pedis, most commonly known as Athlete's Foot.


In actuality the term is a disease, the parasitic fungal infection of the skin on the foot, most often between the toes. The fungi can lead to many similar diseases like tinea corporis on the body/limbs and tinea cruris better known as jock itch. The fungi that can cause it, called dermatophytes, happens when there is a concentration of moisture on the skin which then leads to build up of mold, or even yeast. The mold then grows into the skin causing irritation, skin flaking, and even cracking. It is highly contagious disease. Once infected, if quickly addressed there are many over the counter medications that can help treat it. Talk to your doctor or even your local pharmacist, they can tell you which product works best. For treatment and prevention good hygiene is most important. The fungus is commonly received from showers, bathhouses, and sharing of towels and shoes. Make sure after washing to fully dry your feet before you put socks on and wear flip flops/sandals in public showers/bathhouses. Change up your shoes from day to day and make sure not to change out of wet shoes promptly and to dry the shoes completely before wearing again. Best to wear open toe shoes/sandals or light weave/mesh fabric sneakers to alleviate moisture from your feet during long walks or working out. Athlete's Foot happens more often with men, but women can still get the disease. And it is the second most common skin disease in the USA, after acne. In modern day cases it's not a dire situation, just an large irritant. But it's still important to be aware of it.

Well I hope that helps TT. On a second note, the UpsideDive kids wanted me to mention that they inspect all their shoes and clean them as best as they can. But when buying second hand shoes be sure to clean the insides yourself with an anti-bacterial mild soap or even a light wash of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. And a foot deodorizer or even baking soda can help to change the ph levels and keep feet dry.

With fall almost in full swing, we might have some more of this dreadful rainy weather, 'cept add in the cold factor, so keep warm and dry. Stop by Dark Horse, have a cup of coffee and some treats, and check out my new fall outfit, debuting this friday.

xoDDxo