Problem Faced
Management of interdigital tinea pedis includes keeping the interdigital space free of moisture. Separators made of different materials such as silicone, plastic, cork, and thermocol are often used to create a gap between the digits to ensure better aeration and dryness.
Solution Proposed
A simple modification of a thermocol spacer is described. A piece of thermocol (polystyrene) is cut according to the size required for the patient. The inside is hollowed out and is filled with silica gel granules [Figure 1a] and the hollowed space is covered completely with micropore tape [Figure 1b]. The device is placed between the affected fingers to give a snug fit [Figure 2]. The patient can wear socks over the same. The advantage of thermocol is that the block can be shaped to get the desired snug fit. Another option of keeping it in place is to splint the adjacent toes using micropore plaster (this however would not be an option if the adjacent spaces are also affected). Foam is another option, with the advantage that it molds better according to the space and the footwear [Figures 3 and 4]. Patients are usually advised to use the separator during their working hours, which is when most people tend to wear closed/occlusive footwear. The device combines the physical spacing with an additional desiccant effect because of the silica gel granules. The silica gel granules can also be recharged after gentle heating or sun exposure if required. Alternative materials which can be used in the same manner include foam and silicone, which have the advantage of being softer and more malleable, but come with the disadvantage of being more difficult to hollow out.
Figure 1.
(a) Piece of thermocol, hollowed out and filled with silica gel granules. (b) The same piece after being covered with micropore adhesive tape
Figure 2.
The separator place between the toes to ensure a gap at the base of the interdigital space
Figure 3.
Soft foam cut in Y-shape with central area hollowed out and filled with silica gel granules
Figure 4.
Soft foam with silica gel granules used as a separator
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.