Athlete's foot is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused when the tinea fungus grows on the foot. It is possible to catch the fungus through direct contact with someone who has it or by touching a surface that is contaminated with it. This type of fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as showers, locker room floors, and swimming pools. Your risk of getting it may also increase by wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, or by having sweaty feet.
Symptoms of tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, include itching, stinging, or burning sensations between the toes. Athletes' foot is contagious and can spread through direct contact or by sharing shoes or walking barefoot in communal areas. If left untreated for long periods, the condition can worsen, leading to cracked skin, fluid-filled blisters, or toenails that become discolored, thick, crumbly, or pulled away from the nail bed. This common fungal infection, caused by the same fungus responsible for toenail fungus, can leave your infected feet dry and irritated. To prevent athlete's foot tinea pedis, it’s essential to keep your feet clean, wear socks made of breathable material, and apply talcum powder to reduce moisture. Over-the-counter treatments can help, but while home remedies may provide temporary relief, proper care is necessary to avoid worsening symptoms, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.
Your podiatrist may diagnose an athlete’s foot symptoms by examining the affected skin or performing a test to confirm a fungal skin infection. One common test is the potassium hydroxide (KOH) skin lesion exam. During this process, a small sample of infected skin is scraped off and placed in potassium hydroxide, which dissolves normal cells while leaving the fungal cells intact for microscope analysis. Prompt treatment is important to avoid the spread of the infection or the development of a more serious infection in your feet.
There are various treatment options for athlete’s foot, including antifungal medications such as miconazole (Desenex), terbinafine (Lamisil AT), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). These antifungal creams, powders, and pills can effectively treat the infection, but it’s important to consult with a skin specialist or podiatrist to determine the best option for your specific case. For short-term therapy, applying antifungal powder or medicated foot powder to the affected area can provide relief. Additionally, using tea tree oil or talcum powder can help keep the area dry and prevent further fungal growth. Be sure to complete the full course of treatment to avoid recurrence. To prevent athlete’s foot, especially if you frequent public pools, practice good hygiene and patient education, such as keeping your body dry and wearing protective footwear. Moccasin-type infections or severe cases may require antifungal pills for effective treatment.
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, can sometimes lead to complications. A severe complication might include a secondary bacterial infection, causing swelling, pain, and warmth in the affected foot. To reduce the risk of athlete’s foot or worsening symptoms, avoid walking barefoot in shared areas and wear sandals or flip-flops. It's also important to wear closed shoes that allow your feet to breathe and absorb sweat properly. Using the same towel repeatedly can spread the infection, so always switch to a clean one. Dry skin, a weakened immune system, or a toe web infection can make you more susceptible. If symptoms of the athlete’s foot persist, such as itching, redness, or cracking, consult a doctor to get the athlete's foot diagnosed and explore effective athlete's foot treatments. Prevent further complications by keeping your feet dry, rotating your shoes instead of wearing the same pair every day, and using socks that absorb moisture. Managing related conditions like jock itch is also crucial in preventing the spread.
There are ways that you can prevent an athlete’s foot. Washing your feet with soap and water each day and drying them thoroughly is an effective way to prevent infections. You also shouldn’t share socks, shoes, or towels with other people. It is crucial that you wear shower sandals in public showers, around swimming pools, and in other public places. Additionally, you should make sure you wear shoes that can breathe and change your socks when your feet become sweaty. If you suspect that you have Athlete’s foot, you should seek help from a podiatrist as soon as possible.
