What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a common skin problem caused by a fungus. The fungal infection usually begins on the skin between the toes. Over time it may cause a break in the skin and become sore. The medical term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis.

What is the cause?

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is commonly picked up from the floors of showers, locker rooms, and exercise facilities. Fungus grows best on warm, damp skin.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Itching or burning
• Scaly, cracked and peeling skin, usually between toes, though it may be on other parts of the foot
• Soreness

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. Sometimes he or she may swab or scrape off a skin sample to test for infection.

How is it treated?

Athlete’s foot can often be treated with a nonprescription antifungal cream, liquid, or powder that you put on the skin of your foot. If the infection is severe or widespread, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine to take by mouth.

Sometimes the area of skin can also be infected with bacteria. This is more likely to happen if you scratch the area. If you have a bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics.

Some people have mild athlete’s foot infections just once in a while. These infections usually clear up in a few days. More serious infections may take 1 to 2 weeks. Other people have infections often or nearly constantly for weeks, months, or years. If you have frequent or long-lasting problems, see your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine that not only treats the discomfort but also helps prevent a more serious infection.

Athlete’s foot is more common and may be harder to treat in people who have diabetes or poor circulation, and in people whose immune systems are weakened by HIV, cancer, or other health problems.

How can I help prevent athlete’s foot?

• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially in hot weather. Dry your feet well after bathing, especially between your toes.
• Wear cotton or athletic socks made with materials that wick moisture away from your foot.
• Change your socks every day, or more often if the socks become damp.
• Wear sandals or shoes that let your feet breathe. This means avoiding rubber or plastic shoes unless they have openings. Canvas or leather shoes are usually a better choice
• Air out your shoes when you aren’t wearing them. It is helpful to have more than 1 pair of everyday shoes and to switch shoes every day.
• Wear something on your feet, such as flip-flop sandals, when you take a shower in a locker room or other shared shower stall.
• Use talcum powder to help keep your feet dry. If this does not help, you can use antifungal powders once a week or once a month on your feet and in your shoes to help prevent repeat infection.
• Disinfect shower and locker room floors.