Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, socks, and communal changing areas.
Signs and symptoms:
- Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes
- Peeling, cracked, or scaly skin
- Redness or inflammation
- Blisters that may ooze or crust
- In severe cases, spread to the soles, toenails, or hands
Why it matters for nail techs:
- Tinea pedis is highly contagious and can spread to other nails, the toenails (onychomycosis), or even to the hands.
- Nail professionals should be able to recognise signs and avoid providing services that may worsen the infection or put other clients at risk.
- Clients with suspected tinea pedis should be referred to a healthcare professional or podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
Best practice:
Do not perform nail services on infected feet. Instead, advise the client to seek medical care. Treatment usually includes antifungal creams, sprays, or oral medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.
