What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It typically occurs between the toes but can also show up on the soles and other parts of the foot. Although it's not usually a major problem, athlete’s foot can be tricky to get rid of and might spread to your hands and toenails. It can be especially troublesome for people with a weaker immune system or diabetes.
How Does Athlete’s Foot Develop?
The fungus that causes Athlete’s foot, called dermatophytes, is also responsible for ringworm and jock itch. This contagious fungus likes damp places like shower stalls, sweaty shoes, and wet towels.
What Increases the Risk of Developing Athlete’s Foot?
Although Athlete’s foot is often seen in athletes, it can actually affect anyone who touches someone with it or touches surfaces where the fungus lives. Certain factors can raise the chances of getting Athlete’s foot:
- Walking barefoot in public pool areas or locker rooms
- Sharing towels, socks, or shoes
- Keeping your feet sweaty or wet for prolonged period of time
- Having injuries on your feet or toenails
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
A foot doctor can usually tell if someone has Athlete’s foot by looking at the symptoms. Sometimes, they might do a test called a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam. They take a sample of the infected skin, put it in potassium hydroxide, and look at it under a microscope.
Skin symptoms (most commonly between the soles or on the soles) that help a podiatrist diagnose Athlete’s foot include:
- Itching
- Scaling
- Stinging
- Burning
- Cracking
- Blistering
- Peeling
- Dry
- Raw
Toenail symptoms that help a podiatrist diagnose Athlete’s foot include:
- Crumbling
- Discoloring
- Thickening
- Toenails pulling away from the nail bed
If Athlete’s foot isn’t treated, it can sometimes cause an allergic reaction or a bacterial infection. This infection might make the foot painful, swollen, or hot, and there could be drainage, pus, or a fever. In severe cases, the bacterial infection might spread to the lymph system.
Treatments for Athlete’s Foot
Since Athlete’s foot can be tough to get rid of, regular antifungal creams from the store might not work well enough. A foot doctor can give stronger prescription medicines like:
Oral antifungal medications
Topical antifungal medications
Topical steroid medications
Oral antibiotics
If the Athlete’s foot doesn’t go away with store-bought medicines or if it keeps coming back, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your foot doctor for the right treatment that can get rid of it for good.
