Athletes Foot: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Athletes Foot

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection affecting the feet. It causes itchiness, scaling, and burning sensations. It thrives in warm, moist environments. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Maintain foot health by keeping feet dry, especially between the toes, following prescribed antifungal medication, and regularly changing socks while rotating footwear.

Recommended Avoidances

Prevent fungal infections by refraining from going barefoot in public areas, not sharing shoes, towels, or socks, and avoiding tight, non-breathable footwear.

Prevention Tips

Promote foot hygiene by washing feet daily, opting for sandals in public showers or locker rooms, and regularly using antifungal powder.

Condition 101

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin on the feet. This condition is prevalent among athletes, hence the name, but it can affect anyone. It's characterized by itchiness, scaling, and a burning sensation between the toes or on the soles. The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in warm, moist environments such as shared showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.

• Itching, stinging, and burning between the toes or on the soles
• Itchy blisters
• Cracking and peeling skin
• Dry skin on the soles or sides of the feet
• Discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails
Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungus that leads to ringworm and jock itch. It grows best in warm, damp environments.
• Damp socks and shoes
• Communal baths, pools, and locker rooms
• Minor skin or nail injuries
• Self-care steps and over-the-counter treatments don't help
• You notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever
• The fungal infection spreads to other parts of the body

Diagnosis often involves a medical history assessment, a physical examination, and possibly a skin test for fungus. In some instances, a sample of skin scrapings may be sent to a lab for testing.
Untreated, athlete's foot can lead to more severe bacterial infections, a rash spread over larger areas of the body, and infected toenails.
Athlete's foot is not limited to athletes; anyone can contract the condition. It's also not caused by lack of hygiene, but by exposure to the fungus.
Conditions with similar symptoms include dermatitis, psoriasis, and dry skin.

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Athletes Foot, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Over-the-counter options include antifungal creams, sprays, and powders such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine.

In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications such as itraconazole or fluconazole.

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