Download Athletes Foot

Topic Overview
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that causes a rash on the skin of
the foot. It is the most common fungal skin infection.
There are three main types of athlete's foot. Each type affects different parts of
the foot, looks different, and may be treated differently. While some people who
have athlete's foot do not notice it, others develop severe symptoms.
What causes athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus. Fungi commonly grow on or in the top layer
of human skin and may or may not cause infections. Fungi grow best in warm,
moist areas, such as the area between the toes.
Athlete's foot is easily spread (contagious)—you can get it by touching the
affected area of a person who has it. More commonly, you pick up the fungi by
going barefoot in shared areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms. The
fungi then grow in the warm and moist environment of your footwear, especially if
it is tight so that little air can move around your feet.
Some people are more likely to develop athlete's foot (susceptible) than others.
Experts don't know why this is. Once you have had athlete's foot, you are more
likely to get it again.
If you come in contact with the fungi that cause athlete's foot, you can spread the
fungi to others, whether you develop the infection or not.
What are the symptoms?
Athlete's foot symptoms can vary greatly. While some people have severe
discomfort, others have few or no symptoms. Symptoms also vary depending on
the type of athlete's foot you have.
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Toe web infection (interdigital) usually occurs between the fourth and fifth
toes. The skin becomes scaly, peels, and cracks. If the infection becomes
severe, bacteria are usually present, which cause further skin breakdown
(maceration).
Moccasin-type infection may begin with minor irritation and then
progresses to thickened, cracked skin on the sole or heel. In severe cases, the
toenails become infected and can thicken, crumble, and even fall out.
Vesicular infection (blisters) usually begins with a sudden outbreak of
large fluid-filled areas under the skin. The blisters most often develop on the
skin of the instep but may also develop between the toes, on the heel, or on
the sole or top of the foot. This type may also be accompanied by a bacterial
infection.
See illustrations of toe web, moccasin-type, and vesicular infections.
How is athlete's foot diagnosed?
In most cases, your health professional can diagnose athlete's foot by looking at
it. He or she will also ask about your symptoms and any previous fungal
infections you have had. If your athlete's foot looks unusual or if a previous case
did not respond well to treatment, your health professional may take a skin or nail
sample to test for fungi.
Not all skin problems on the foot are athlete's foot. If you suspect that you have
athlete's foot but have never had it before, it's a good idea to have your health
professional look at it.
How is it treated?
You can treat most cases of athlete's foot at home by putting antifungal
medication directly on the skin (topical medication). For severe cases, you may
need to take pills. Be sure to use antifungal medication for the indicated length of
time, because athlete's foot can be difficult to kill. It's equally important that you
keep your feet clean and dry, since the fungi need a moist environment to grow.
Because athlete's foot tends to come back, prevention is also an important part
of treatment. Preventive steps include wearing shoes that allow your feet to
breathe, wearing shower sandals in shared areas, and using talcum powder on
your feet.