Athlete foot

Question 1

fungal.

Athlete’s foot – tinea pedis caused by ___________.

Answer 1

Athlete’s foot – tinea pedis caused by Trichophyton rubrum.

Question 2

Bacterial Infections
These are often caused by ingrowing toenails or trauma. In either case, the skin around the nail is punctured and normal flora such as ____________ can gain entry to the localized tissue and cause an infection.

Answer 2

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 3

Viral Infections
Probably the most common viral infection that you will deal with in the Pharmacy setting are _______-
These are warts appearing on the soles of the feet or around the toes that are caused by the _______________.

Answer 3

Viral Infections
Probably the most common viral infection that you will deal with in the Pharmacy setting are verruca’s
These are warts appearing on the soles of the feet or around the toes that are caused by Human Papilloma Virus.

Question 4

Verruca’s are very contagious and patients very often pick them up from ____, _______ and ______.

Answer 4

Verruca’s are very contagious and patients very often pick them up from swimming pools, changing rooms and bathrooms.

Question 5

tests for athletes foot?

Answer 5

Skin swap
Left palm swab
Left and right feet swabs
Skin Scrapping

Question 6

Your patient also reported symptoms of itching, so you may decide to advise him on treatments that may help to resolve this.

Treatments for itching include:

Answer 6

Calamine lotion / cream, again the decision as to which to use is often down to patient preference.
Crotamiton cream
Topical hydrocortisone WITH antifungal treatment

Question 7

It is also important to council the patient to_________

Answer 7

look out for secondary bacterial infections, due to itching. In these instances, the symptoms would change and cellulitis may develop.

Question 8

In order to help this patient prevent further infections you should also consider the following advice:

Answer 8

Treating shoes and trainers. The patient does not report doing this previously and this could be a source of his repeated infections.
Ensure feet are dry after showering and swimming. This will reduce the chance of fungal elements causing an infection, it will also help the skin to stay intact.
Frequently change towels (use a different one for his feet), as this will help to stop the spread of the infection.
Be aware that the source of contamination may be the gym or the swimming baths.