Identifying and Treating Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common name for infections from a number of species of fungus that affect the feet. Although the problem is pretty common, it is unpleasant and requires treatment before it will get better. Podiatrists often treat cases of athlete's foot that are especially serious or affecting people with compromised immune systems, so this month we’re discussing how it can be identified, how it spreads, and how to treat it.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Fungal infections often cause a rash, which includes blistering or peeling skin, redness, and feelings of heat and soreness. However, fungus between the toes can cause those areas to look pale and powdery, and if an infection lasts long enough, it can cause a red, scaly appearance all over the bottom and sides of the foot. Infections also tend to smell bad.

The species of fungus that cause athlete’s foot can also cause toenail infections, which make the toenails look yellowish, thickened, and crumbly.

How Athlete’s Foot Spreads

The fungi that cause athlete's foot are spread through direct contact, whether it be from another person, an animal, a wet surface, or a contaminated object. They can also be spread through contact from one part of a person’s body to another, and cause jock itch and ringworm. Fungi thrive in environments that are warm and damp and the spores can live for years. The name “athlete’s foot” is derived from how sweaty socks are common vectors for contamination and sweat creates the perfect environment for fungi, but that is true regardless of the reason for sweat being plentiful. Athlete’s foot can happen to anybody.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for athlete’s foot is commonly done with over-the-counter topical cream. It is also a good idea to apply an anti-fungal spray to shoes and to wash socks, towels, bedding, and bathmats that have had contact with infected feet. Although the use of creams is often sufficient when done in accordance with product instructions, some species of fungus are especially stubborn, and people with slowly-healing sores on their feet may need more help. For those patients, podiatrists can provide higher-strength topical creams and oral medications. They may want to test a sample first to determine that fungus is the problem since some symptoms resemble psoriasis and bacterial infections. It is usually recommended that patients continue to use topical medication for at least a week after symptoms have cleared.

There are some simple precautions that can usually stop the spread of athlete’s foot. One of the most important of these is to wear sandals or bath shoes on pool decks and in locker rooms. Another is to allow sweaty or otherwise damp shoes to dry out completely before using them again. Wash towels regularly and try to use moisture-wicking socks instead of ones made of cotton while exercising. You should also make sure you dry between your toes after bathing. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, you might want to try putting on your socks before other clothes, to reduce the risk of the fungus spreading over your body.