Athletes Foot

Athletes Foot is a fungal infection that typically occurs on the feet. Because the infection is common among people who exercise or play sports, it was named Athletes Foot. However, anyone can experience Athletes Foot.

Causes

Fungus thrives in warm, dark, moist places, such as the inside of a shoe, in locker rooms and showers, and around swimming pools. When you walk through a contaminated area, like a swimming pool locker room, your bare feet come in contact with the fungus. If your feet or the area between your toes stays moist, the fungus will grow.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Prior Athletes Foot infection
Walking barefoot in locker rooms or public places
Not keeping your feet clean and dry
Wearing air-tight or poorly ventilated shoes or boots
Sweaty feet
Hot, humid weather
Disorders of the immune system

Symptoms

Athletes Foot symptoms usually start between the toes and often occur in combination. As the infection progresses, it may spread to the soles or arches of the feet or to the toenails.

Symptoms include:

Dry skin
Itching, which worsens as the infection spreads
Scaling
Cracking
Redness
A white, wet surface
Blisters, which may open and become painful

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may scrape a small sample off the infected skin for testing. Infections caused by bacteria, rather than a fungus, may cause similar symptoms. Other conditions may also mimic Athletes Foot. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for successful treatment.

Treatment

Treatment aims to rid the body of the infection. Therapy may include good foot hygiene or medication. Many over-the-counter antifungal medications are available. However, if the infection persists for two weeks or more, seek medical care.

Foot Hygiene

Gently wash your feet often and completely dry all areas, including between the toes.
Put a dusting of antifungal foot powder on your feet to absorb moisture.
Change your shoes and socks frequently.
Do not swim or use public locker rooms when you have an infection. This will help prevent spreading the infection to other people.

Medication

You may need a prescription medication, because an over-the-counter product may not be effective in fighting the fungus. The doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication to be taken by mouth or applied to the feet. It is important to continue taking any prescribed medication for the entire time instructed by the doctor. Do not stop any medication without the doctor's approval, even if the infected areas look better. Treatment generally lasts 4-8 weeks. Shortening the treatment plan often results in another infection. Wash your hands after applying topical medications.

Topical medications include:

Miconazole
Haloprogin
Clotrimazole
Ciclopirox
Terbinafine
Butenafine
Tolnaftate
Econazole
Ketoconazole
Naftifine
Oxiconazole
Sulconazole

Griseofulvin is an oral medication. Other oral drugs may also be prescribed.

Prevention

Preventing Athletes Foot can be difficult, but keeping your feet clean and dry will help. Suggestions include:

Gently wash your feet every day using soap and water.
Dry carefully between the toes.
Wear loose shoes that breathe.
Wear sandals in the summer.
Change shoes often.
Wear cotton socks that wick moisture away from your skin.
Change socks when they become damp.
Apply an antifungal foot powder to your feet.
Take off your shoes and socks and walk barefoot at home when possible.
Do not walk barefoot in damp places.
Wear shower shoes or sandals in public locker rooms.
Do not borrow other people's shoes.