Symptoms
Itching, stinging, and burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
Cracking, peeling, or scaling skin, especially between the toes and on the heels.
Dry, scaly skin on the soles or sides of the feet.
Inflammation.
Blisters or small fluid-filled vesicles.
Discolored, thick, or crumbly toenails (if the infection spreads to the nails – onychomycosis).
Raw skin on the feet.
Causes
Athlete's foot is caused by various types of fungi, most commonly dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, such as:
Damp socks and shoes
Swimming pools
Public showers
Locker rooms
Sharing towels or shoes with an infected person.
Prolonged sweating.
Medicine Used
Topical Antifungal Medications: These are the first-line treatment and include creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and powders containing ingredients like:
Clotrimazole
Miconazole
Terbinafine
Tolnaftate
Butenafine
Oral Antifungal Medications: If topical treatments are ineffective or the infection is severe, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications such as:
Terbinafine
Itraconazole
Fluconazole
Other topical treatments: Aluminum chloride can help dry out the affected area if excessive sweating contributes to the condition.
Is Communicable
Yes, athlete's foot is highly contagious. It can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces, such as floors, towels, socks, or shoes.
Precautions
Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
Wear breathable socks made of cotton or wool.
Change socks daily, or more often if your feet sweat excessively.
Wear sandals or shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools.
Dry feet thoroughly after swimming or showering.
Use antifungal powder on your feet and in your shoes.
Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes with others.
Disinfect shoes regularly.
Expose your feet to air whenever possible.
Wash contaminated towels and bedding in hot water.
How long does an outbreak last?
With proper treatment, athlete's foot typically clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. However, if left untreated or if the infection is severe, it can persist for months or even longer. Recurring infections are common. Oral medication may resolve the issue faster.
How is it diagnosed?
Athlete's foot is usually diagnosed based on a physical examination of the affected skin. A doctor may also:
Take a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope to identify the fungus.
Perform a fungal culture to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
Use a Wood's lamp (ultraviolet light) to examine the skin. Some types of fungi will fluoresce under UV light.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary, but generally follows this pattern:
Initial Stage: Mild itching or burning between the toes.
Early Stage: Redness, scaling, and cracking of the skin appear.
Intermediate Stage: Itching and burning intensify. Blisters may form.
Advanced Stage (If Untreated): The infection spreads to other parts of the foot or toenails. Symptoms become more severe and persistent. Secondary bacterial infections may occur.
Important Considerations
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to foot infections and may experience more severe complications. They should seek prompt medical attention for any foot problems.
Compromised Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems may have difficulty fighting off fungal infections and may require more aggressive treatment.
Nail Involvement: If the infection spreads to the toenails (onychomycosis), it can be difficult to treat and may require oral antifungal medications for several months.
Secondary Infections: Cracks in the skin can allow bacteria to enter, leading to secondary bacterial infections. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus, seek medical attention.
Prevention is Key: Consistent hygiene practices are crucial for preventing recurrence of athlete's foot. Continue to take precautions even after the infection has cleared up.