Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a skin infection caused by dermatophytes, which are the same fungi that cause jock itch and ringworm. However, unlike jock itch and ringworm, athlete’s foot can often come back.
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in warm, damp places, which can occur when feet get hot and sweaty inside closed shoes, creating sweaty socks. They can also live on wet towels.
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot can spread easily to other people because they can travel on hands, towels, and other surfaces. A person can get athlete’s foot through contact with someone who has it and by touching surfaces where fungi are present. It can also spread from the feet to other parts of the body and may happen when a person uses a towel to dry their feet and then uses the same towel to dry the rest of their body, such as the groin area, which causes jock itch.
Athlete’s foot can affect one or both feet, usually starting between the toes. It causes common symptoms that include:
- Dry, scaly skin on the bottom and sides of the feet
- Itchy skin, occurring especially right after taking off shoes and socks
- Swollen skin that may look red, purple, or gray, depending on skin color
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Blisters
- Scaly, peeling, or cracked skin between the toes
A person has a higher risk of developing athlete’s foot if they:
- Sweat a lot
- Often wear closed shoes
- Walk barefoot in public showers, pools, or locker rooms
- Share towels, shoes, rugs, or bed linens with someone who has athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot can cause complications for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, leading to a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis.
A healthcare provider may be able to diagnose athlete’s foot after an examination. Some types of athlete’s foot can look similar to dry skin or dermatitis. To help rule out other conditions, your provider may take a small skin sample of the affected area for lab testing.
Treatment for athlete’s foot may involve self-care and over-the-counter products such as antifungal cream, spray, or powder. If these over-the-counter products do not work, a healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal medicine to apply to the affected area.
Several tips can help ease the symptoms of athlete’s foot and lower the risk of it coming back. They include:
- Keeping your feet clean and dry
- Wearing different shoes every day
- Changing socks regularly
- Wearing breathable and lightweight footwear
- Using an antifungal product
- Wearing waterproof shoes or sandals around public pools, showers, and locker rooms
- Not scratching the rash in the affected area
- Not sharing shoes
If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete’s foot or another fungal infection, you can call (718) 206- 6742 or (718) 206-7001 to make an appointment.
FollowAll content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
