Prone to Athlete's Foot?

Q:  I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and frequently suffer from athlete's foot. My podiatrist told me that because of my RA I am more susceptible to fungal infections like athlete's foot. Do you know why that is and what I can do to keep this problem from returning? 

A:  A Theoretically, people with RA and some other forms of arthritis can be more susceptible to fungal infections like athlete's foot - or any infection, for that matter. This increased susceptibility may be due to problems with the immune system that lead to arthritis in the first place, the drugs (such as corticosteroids and disease-modifying drugs) used to treat arthritis, or a combination of the two. 

The fungi that cause athlete's foot are all around us, so it's virtually impossible to avoid them. They thrive in areas that are dark, warm and moist. That's why your feet are susceptible to fungal infections - they spend most of the day inside your shoes, which are dark and warm, making your feet moist and fungi happy.

Anything that will make the fungi's environment less favorable for growth will help keep infections from taking hold. The following may help you avoid athlete's foot:

• Alternate shoe usage. Allow shoes a full day to dry out before wearing them again.
• Lightly powder the feet before putting on socks. This will help keep your feet drier.
• Wear socks made of natural fibers or fibers that "wick away" perspiration. They will keep the feet cooler.
• Make sure feet are dry after baths or showers (especially between the toes) before you put on your socks and shoes.
• Use over-the-counter, anti-fungal powders and creams if you experience a problem. Common brands include undecylenic acid (Desenex), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), and clotrimazole and betamethasone (Lotrisone).

CRAIG GASTWIRTH, DPM
Podiatrist

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