Athlete's Foot - Medex Medical Clinic in Forest Hills, NY

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that typically starts between the toes. It is common among individuals who experience excessive foot sweating, especially when wearing tight-fitting shoes.

Athlete’s foot presents as an itchy, scaly rash. It is contagious and can spread through contact with contaminated floors, towels, or clothing.

Athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal infections like ringworm and jock itch. While it can be treated with antifungal medications, the infection frequently recurs.

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People tend to associate athlete’s foot with participating in sports. The truth is that almost anyone can develop the aggravating condition. If your feet sweat when you wear tight-fitting shoes or if you tend to walk barefoot in communal areas such as showers, pools or saunas, you’re among those at risk for contracting athlete’s foot.

Prevention through Lifestyle Changes

A few simple changes reduce your risk of getting athlete’s foot substantially. Modify your behavior and lifestyle by:

Wearing well-ventilated, roomy shoes
Washing your feet with soap and water every day
Slipping on waterproof shoes or sandals when you’re in wet public places
Wearing only your own personal shoes; don’t let others wear them
Regularly changing your socks
Buying socks that are made of cotton and other natural fibers that tend to dry quickly
Carefully drying between your toes after showering or bathing
Using powders on your feet if you notice excessive sweating
Alternating the shoes you wear daily so they dry out between uses
Applying alcohol swipes between your toes to kill surface fungus and keep your skin dry
Reporting and treating athlete’s foot promptly
Maintaining your treatment regimen until the rash is completely gone
Reducing the desire to scratch by soothing your feet in cool water; just remember to dry them thoroughly afterward

What Symptoms Indicate Athlete’s Foot?

A fungal infection usually begins between your toes. This area often stays moist and dark in your socks and shoes, making it an ideal environment for fungal growth. The fungus responsible for athlete’s foot is persistent. It may strike only one foot, or it may appear on both feet. You may even see it on your hands as you scratch the itch. If you haven’t been diagnosed with athlete’s foot yet by a Medex specialist, you may notice some telltale symptoms.

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms

A scaly red rash
Ulcers or wounds that refuse to heal
Blisters
Significant itching, especially right after you remove your socks and shoes
Chronic dry or scaling skin on the soles of your feet

Who’s at Risk for Athlete’s Foot?

While athlete’s foot tends to affect men more often, it occurs in both genders. Anyone who provides a warm dark environment for the tinea fungus can be stricken with athlete’s foot, ringworm or jock itch. Your chances of infection increase if your lifestyle includes:

Wearing damp socks or shoes, especially for an extended amount of time
Living in humid, warm environments
Wearing ill-fitting shoes that make your feet sweat
Walking barefoot in well-used areas where there’s high humidity, such as saunas, showers, pools, locker rooms and shared baths
Living with someone who has an active infection, while sharing linens, towels, mats or shoes

The fungus responsible for these conditions is highly contagious. It spreads quickly, causing itchiness, dry skin and a rash wherever it occurs. Your hands, groin fingernails and toenails can be affected.

What Treatments and Remedies Exist?

Treatments include:

• For mild conditions, your doctor may suggest over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, sprays or powders. These medications fight the fungus, manage your symptoms and reduce moisture to prevent growth.

• For more serious infections or If your infection doesn’t respond to simple medications, your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength lotions or creams.

• For severe cases, antifungal oral medication may be recommended. Side effects occasionally occur with this oral medicine, so your physician monitors your progress.

When To See A Doctor

If a foot rash doesn’t improve within two weeks of using an over-the-counter antifungal treatment, consult your doctor.

If you have diabetes, contact your doctor immediately if you suspect athlete’s foot. You should also seek medical attention if you notice signs of an infection, such as swelling, pus, or fever.