Everything You Need To Know about Eczema

What is Eczema?

Athlete’s foot — do you think you might have it? Do your feet itch, burn, or sting on the bottom of your feet or between your toes? Do your feet have dry, cracked skin that is really sore? Is your skin pink or red on the soles of your feet or between your toes? These can be symptoms associated with athlete’s foot.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot — also called tinea pedis — is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It can also spread to the toenails and hands. The fungal infection is called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes.

Athlete’s foot isn’t usually serious, but sometimes it can be difficult to eliminate. It can spread in damp, warm environments where the fungus can transfer and grow, including showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, and other damp surfaces.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot occurs when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. You can catch the fungus through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus.

The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, including areas around swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms.

Who Is at Risk for Athlete’s Foot?

Anyone can get athlete’s foot, but certain behaviors and conditions can increase the risk.

Factors that may increase your risk include:

• Visiting public places barefoot, especially locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools
• Having sweaty feet
• Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person
• Wearing tight, closed-toe shoes where your feet perspire
• Keeping your feet wet for long periods
• Having a minor skin or nail injury on your foot
• Having contact with someone who has athlete’s foot

What Are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?

There are many possible symptoms of athlete’s foot, including:

• Itching, stinging, and burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet
• Itchy blisters on your feet
• Cracking and peeling skin, most commonly between your toes and on your soles
• Dry skin on your soles or the sides of your feet
• Raw skin on your feet
• Discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails
• Toenails that pull away from the nail bed

How Is Athlete’s Foot Treated?

Athlete’s foot can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal medications. If OTC medications do not treat the infection, a doctor may prescribe topical or oral prescription-strength antifungal medications.

Some prescription medications can be strong. If you have an immune system issue or diabetes, inform your doctor before treatment.

What OTC Medications Treat Athlete’s Foot?

There are many OTC topical antifungal medications available, including:

• Miconazole (Desenex)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
• Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
• Tolnaftate (Tinactin)

What Prescription Medications Are Used for Athlete’s Foot?

Some prescription medications a doctor may prescribe include:

• Prescription-strength topical clotrimazole or miconazole
• Oral antifungal medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or prescription-strength terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Topical steroid medications to reduce painful inflammation
• Oral antibiotics if a bacterial infection develops because of raw skin and blisters

Can Athlete’s Foot Be Treated at Home?

Your doctor may recommend soaking your feet in salt water or diluted vinegar to help dry up blisters.

Keeping your feet clean and dry is also an important part of the prevention measures described below.

What Complications Can Athlete’s Foot Cause?

Athlete’s foot can lead to complications in some cases.

Mild complications may include an allergic reaction to the fungus, which can cause blistering on the feet or hands. The fungal infection can also return after treatment.

More severe complications can occur if a secondary bacterial infection develops. In this case, the foot may become swollen, painful, and hot. Pus, drainage, and fever can also be signs of a bacterial infection.

The source also notes that a bacterial infection can spread to the lymphatic system or lymph nodes.

How Long Does Athlete’s Foot Last?

Athlete’s foot infections can be mild or severe. Some clear up quickly, while others last longer. The source states that athlete’s foot generally responds well to antifungal treatment, although some fungal infections can be difficult to eliminate.

Long-term antifungal treatment may sometimes be necessary to help prevent the infection from returning.

How Can Athlete’s Foot Be Prevented?

There are several things you can do to help prevent athlete’s foot:

• Don’t share socks, shoes, or towels with others.
• Change your socks when your feet become sweaty.
• Wash your feet with soap and water every day and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Wash socks, bedding, and towels in water that’s 140°F (60°C) or higher.
• Disinfect shoes using appropriate disinfectant wipes or sprays.
• Use antifungal powder on your feet as appropriate.
• Wear sandals in public showers, around public swimming pools, and in other public places.
• Wear breathable socks, such as cotton or wool, or moisture-wicking synthetic fibers.
• Air out your feet when you are at home.
• Wear shoes made of breathable materials.
• Alternate between two pairs of shoes, allowing each pair to dry between uses.

Moisture can allow the fungus to continue growing, so keeping your feet and footwear dry is an important part of prevention.