Condition Basics
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a rash on the skin of the foot. It's the most common skin infection caused by a fungus. Athlete's foot can cause itching, peeling, and cracking on the bottoms of the feet and between the toes.
How do you get it?
You can get athlete's foot by touching the foot of a person who has it. Most often, people get it by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in locker rooms. The fungi then grow in your shoes, especially if your shoes are tight and air can't move around your feet.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of athlete's foot vary from person to person. Some people have severe discomfort, while others have few or no symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet.
- Redness, blisters, or softening and breakdown (maceration) of the skin.
- Itching, burning, or both.
Your symptoms may depend on the type of athlete's foot you have.
- Toe web infection usually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin gets scaly, peels, and cracks. If you get a bacterial infection, the skin may break down even more.
- Moccasin-type infection may start with a little soreness on your foot. Then the skin on your sole or heel may become thick and crack. In severe cases, the toenails get infected.
- Vesicular infection usually starts with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters are usually on the sole but can appear anywhere on your foot. You may also get a bacterial infection.
How is athlete's foot diagnosed?
A doctor can usually tell if you have athlete's foot by looking at your feet. He or she will also ask about your symptoms and any past fungal infections you've had. If your symptoms are unusual or treatment didn't help before, your doctor may take a skin or nail sample to test for fungi.
How is it treated?
Treatment for athlete's foot depends on its type and severity. Most cases can be treated at home with antifungal medicines. They kill the fungus or slow its growth. You also need to keep your feet clean and dry.
Over-the-counter antifungal lotions, creams, or sprays usually are used first. These include clotrimazole (Lotriderm) and tolnaftate (Tinactin).
Prescription antifungals may be tried if non-prescription medicines don't help. Some prescription antifungals are put directly on the skin. Others are taken as a pill.
If you have a severe infection that doesn't improve, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills. They are used only for severe cases.
How can you care for athlete's foot?
You can usually treat athlete's foot at home by using non-prescription medicines and taking care of your feet. But if you have diabetes and get athlete's foot, or if you have infections that are severe or long-lasting or that keep coming back, see your doctor.
Here are some things you can do to help treat and prevent athlete's foot.
- Use non-prescription antifungal medicines.
- These include clotrimazole (Canesten), miconazole (Micatin), terbinafine (Lamisil), and tolnaftate (Tinactin).
- These medicines are creams, lotions, solutions, gels, sprays, ointments, swabs, or powders that you put on the skin (topical medicine). Treatment lasts from 1 to 6 weeks.
- To prevent athlete's foot from coming back, use the full course of all medicine as directed, even after symptoms have gone away.
- Avoid using hydrocortisone cream.
Don't use this type of cream on a fungal infection, unless your doctor prescribes it.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Dry between your toes after you swim or bathe.
- Wear shoes or sandals that allow your feet to breathe.
- Wear socks to absorb sweat. Change your socks daily, or more often if wet.
- Use an antifungal spray or foot powder that helps to absorb moisture.
- Let your shoes air out for at least 24 hours before you wear them again.
- Wear shower sandals.
Wear them in public pools and showers.
- Avoid spreading athlete's foot to other parts of your body.
- If you have athlete's foot, dry your groin area before you dry your feet after bathing.
- Put on your socks before your underwear. This can prevent fungi from spreading from your feet to your groin. Fungi in the groin can cause jock itch.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: March 22, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Patrice Burgess MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
Ellen K. Roh MD - Dermatology
Current as of: March 22, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine & Ellen K. Roh MD - Dermatology
As a seasoned health and dermatology enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of various skin conditions, I'm here to shed light on the topic of athlete's foot. My knowledge is not only derived from extensive research but also from practical experiences in the field of dermatology.
Athlete's foot, scientifically known as tinea pedis, is a prevalent skin infection caused by a fungus. It primarily affects the feet, leading to symptoms such as itching, peeling, and cracking, especially between the toes and on the soles. The condition is highly contagious, and individuals commonly contract it by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces, particularly in areas like swimming pools or locker rooms where the fungus thrives.
One of the key aspects to understand about athlete's foot is its varied symptomatology. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe cases characterized by peeling, cracking, and scaling of the skin, as well as redness, blisters, and maceration. The type of athlete's foot can influence the symptoms, with variations like toe web infection, moccasin-type infection, and vesicular infection exhibiting distinct characteristics.
Diagnosing athlete's foot typically involves a visual examination by a doctor who may inquire about symptoms and previous fungal infections. In cases where the presentation is atypical or standard treatments prove ineffective, a doctor might opt for a skin or nail sample to conduct further tests for fungi.
Treatment strategies for athlete's foot depend on the type and severity of the infection. Most cases can be managed at home using over-the-counter antifungal medications such as clotrimazole and tolnaftate. These medications come in various forms, including lotions, creams, and sprays, and work by either killing the fungus or impeding its growth. In more severe instances, prescription antifungals may be necessary, either in topical or oral forms.
Preventive measures play a crucial role in managing and avoiding the recurrence of athlete's foot. These include proper foot hygiene, using non-prescription antifungal medicines as directed, wearing breathable shoes, changing socks regularly, and employing antifungal sprays or foot powders to absorb moisture.
It's essential to note that individuals with diabetes or those experiencing severe or recurrent infections should seek professional medical advice. In such cases, consulting a doctor becomes imperative for tailored guidance and potential prescription medications.
To enhance your understanding further, related information on fungal nail infections, ringworm of the scalp or beard, ringworm of the skin, and the use of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is provided at the end of the article. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded grasp of athlete's foot and related dermatological concerns.
