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Athlete’s Foot: What It Looks Like and How to Treat It
– Skin Type Solutions
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Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the feet caused by a specific group of fungi called dermatophytes. Because this fungi thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes and locker rooms, it is a common problem for athletes, hence the name “athlete’s foot.”
Unlike other skin conditions that are caused by yeast (a different type of fungi) overgrowth, athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread to other parts of the body. Thus, it is important to promptly treat athlete’s foot and take steps to prevent its spread and recurrence.
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Caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
Contagious and can spread from people and contaminated surfaces.
Treated with antifungal medications.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athletes foot is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on keratin, the protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This infection usually begins between the toes but can also affect the soles, sides of the feet, and toenails. Despite its name, athlete’s foot isn’t limited to athletes – anyone can get it, especially those who sweat excessively, wear tight-fitting shoes, or walk barefoot in communal areas like gym showers, locker rooms, or pool decks.
Athlete’s foot is part of the same group of fungal infections that includes ringworm and jock itch (tinea cruris). It can cause itching, burning, and scaling, and in some cases, can lead to secondary bacterial infections if the skin becomes cracked or raw.
Early treatment is important to prevent athlete’s foot from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people.
What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?
Athlete’s foot can appear differently, depending on its severity. It is generally categorized into four main types:
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Intertriginous (toe-web) type: Red, cracked, or peeling skin between the toes, often between the fourth and fifth toes.
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Moccasin type: Thick, dry, and scaly skin on the soles, heels, and sides of the feet.
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Vesicular type: Small itchy blisters or vesicles on the surface of the foot.
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Ulcerative type: Open sores and ulcers between the toes. This type is rare and most severe.
In addition to these visual signs of athlete’s foot, you might also experience itching or burning sensations or an unpleasant odor.
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can also be spread from person-to-person and when sharing locker rooms or equipment.
Factors that can make you more susceptible to getting athlete’s foot include:
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Wearing tight, non-breathable, or sweaty socks and shoes.
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Spending time in high-traffic public areas like gym locker rooms or pools.
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Walking barefoot in public places.
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Having direct contact with people or things that have been infected.
How to Get Rid of Athlete’s Foot
In many cases, athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or washes with active ingredients like terbinafine (Lamisil) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin). These creams can be used twice per day for several weeks to clear the rash. Note that you should continue to apply antifungal creams for at least one week after the rash has gone away to ensure the infection has cleared completely.
If you do not notice an improvement in symptoms after trying over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments, your dermatologist may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications.
You can pair these treatments with a sports wash product like CLn SportWash, which contains sodium hypochlorite, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to keep affected areas clean and reduce the population of fungi, bacteria, and other potentially harmful microbes.
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Is Athlete’s Foot Preventable?
Yes, there are several steps you can take to prevent athlete’s foot:
Yes. It can be prevented with consistent hygiene and lifestyle habits:
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Wash your feet daily with soap and water, being sure to wash between toes.
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Dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
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Wear breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks.
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Rotate shoes and allow time to air out.
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Avoid walking barefoot in shared areas like locker rooms or public showers.
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Use an antifungal powder or wash if your feet sweat excessively or if you are prone to recurrence.
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Clean towels, bedding, and socks regularly to reduce fungal exposure.
Bottom Line
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments and causes itching, scaling, and sometimes blistering or cracking. Topical antifungal creams or sprays are often effective at treating this condition. However, it is important to complete a full course of treatment to ensure the infection has completely cleared and can no longer be spread.
If you are having trouble getting rid of a rash on your feet or if it keeps coming back, talk to your dermatologist about prescription treatment options.
Dr. Leslie Baumann MD, FAAD
Will athlete’s foot go away on its own?
No, athlete’s foot will not go away on its own because it is caused by a fungal infection and therefore requires antifungal medications to treat it.
Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes, athlete’s foot is contagious as long as the yeast is present on the skin, even during treatment.
Why won’t my athelete’s foot go away?
If your athlete’s foot won’t go away, it may be due to stopping treatment too soon, moisture buildup, reinfection from shoes or socks, or misdiagnosis. Stick to antifungal treatment, keep feet dry, and disinfect footwear. If it still doesn’t clear, talk to your dermatologist.
What other skin conditions can be mistaken for athlete’s foot?
Other skin conditions that cause flaking or scaly patches, like eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or plantar warts, can sometimes be mistaken for athlete’s foot.
Best References and Scientific Publications on Tinea Pedis
- Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann’s Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
- Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
- Makola, N. F., Magongwa, N. M., Matsaung, B., Schellack, G., & Schellack, N. (2018). Managing athlete’s foot. South African Family Practice, 60(5), 37-41.
- Crawford, F. (2008). Athlete’s foot. Evidence‐Based Dermatology, 358-361.
- Cohen, A. D., Wolak, A., Alkan, M., Shalev, R., & Vardy, D. A. (2002). AFSS: athlete’s foot severity score. A proposal and validation. Mycoses, 45(3‐4), 97-100.
- Auger, P., Marquis, G., Joly, J., & Attye, A. (1993). Epidemiology of tinea pedis in marathon runners: prevalence of occult athlete’s foot: Die Epidemiologie der Tinea pedis bei Marathonläufern: Häufigkeit subklinischer Infekte. Mycoses, 36(1‐2), 35-41.
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