How did I get athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is spread through contact with the tinea fungus. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. If you frequent these places barefoot, the fungi can make its way into your skin. It can also be spread through contact with an infected person, which is why sharing personal items like shoes, socks, or towels should be avoided.

What are the treatments for athlete’s foot?

Your podiatrist will likely prescribe a topical antifungal treatment, such as a cream, spray, or powder. This type of treatment is applied directly to the skin to kill the fungi. Sometimes, oral antifungal medications, which are taken by mouth, may be needed.

Is athlete’s foot contagious?

Athlete’s foot is contagious. It can spread from an infected surface to a person, and from one person to another. It can even spread to different areas on the same person. For example, athlete's foot can spread from the feet to the hands or groin of one person. The fungus can also infect the toenails.

Can athlete’s foot be prevented?

Athlete’s foot can be prevented. When going to public places, especially those that are warm, moist, or humid, wear shoes to protect your feet. Never share shoes, socks, or towels with another person. Maintain proper foot hygiene by washing your feet daily and drying them thoroughly, particularly in between the toes. If you tend to sweat from your feet, wear shoes and socks made of breathable, moisture-wicking material. This will help make your feet a less hospitable environment for fungi to grow.

Athletes Foot Treatment | Podiatrist, Foot Doctor Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX

Q: What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It causes a red, itchy, scaly rash to develop on the feet. The skin may become flaky or peel off. Typically, athlete’s foot develops between the toes or on the soles of the feet.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It occurs most commonly between the toes but can also develop on the soles, as well as any other part of the foot.

While it is not a very serious condition, Athlete’s foot is sometimes difficult to cure and may spread to the hands and toenails. It may also be particularly problematic for people with a weakened immune system or diabetes.

How Does Athlete’s Foot Develop?

The fungi that causes Athlete’s foot—dermatophytes—is the same species of fungus behind dermatophytosis (ringworm) and tinea cruris (jock itch). This highly contagious fungus thrives in moist, humid environments such as shower stalls, sweaty shoes, and damp towels.

What Increases the Risk of Developing Athlete’s Foot?

While Athlete’s foot is common among athletes, it can affect anyone that has direct contact with a person who has it or comes in contact with dermatophytes living on surfaces or objects. The following factors increase the risk of contracting 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 podiatrist can often diagnose Athlete’s foot by its symptoms. Sometimes they will perform a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam, where infected skin is sampled, placed in potassium hydroxide, and observed 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

Athlete’s foot that goes untreated can sometimes lead to an allergic reaction, or a bacterial infection that may cause pain, swelling or heat in the foot. There may also be drainage, pus or a fever.

In worst case scenarios, the bacterial infection can even spread to the lymph system.

Treatments for Athlete’s Foot

Because Athlete’s foot is difficult to cure, over-the-counter antifungal medications may not treat it properly. A podiatrist can provide various prescription-strength medications such as:

• Oral antifungal medications

• Topical antifungal medications

• Topical steroid medications

• Oral antibiotics

If over-the-counter medications do not get rid of your Athlete’s foot or the infection returns, make an appointment with your podiatrist for proper and permanent treatment.

Athletes Foot