Athlete’s Foot: It’s Not Just for Athletes

Contrary to what the name may suggest, Athlete’s foot is not specific to athletes. In fact, it’s the most common fungal skin infection, occurring when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. Athlete’s foot spreads easily: either through contact with infected skin scales or contact with fungi in damp areas. Most often, people get it by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces. Poorly fitted shoes that do not allow for proper air circulation oftentimes result in athlete’s foot.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

Symptoms of the fungus may appear differently depending on an individual’s particular case. Though it usually occurs as an itchy rash on the bottom of the foot, there are three distinct types:

Toe web infection: Found between the fourth and fifth toes, a toe web infection results in itchy skin that becomes scaly, eventually cracking. This infection can occur simultaneously with a bacterial infection, breaking down the integrity of the skin and worsening the condition.
Moccasin-type infection: Located on the bottom or heel of the foot and resulting in soreness, a moccasin-type infection involves the skin on the bottom of the foot thickening and cracking. This infection can spread to the toes, ultimately causing the toenails to thicken and turn yellowish in color before they fall out. Toenail infections, as a result of athlete’s foot, generally require a separate treatment.
Vesicular-type infection: A vesicular-type infection may begin with the sole of the foot developing fluid-filled blisters underneath the skin. However, these blisters can appear anywhere on the foot. This type of athlete’s foot infection can also result in a bacterial infection.

How is it Diagnosed?

Athlete’s foot has a characteristic appearance, such a peeling skin between the toes, discoloration, painful fissures, and an unpleasant smell. If resistance to treatment occurs, other measures can be taken to identify a specific infection. This includes scrapings for fungal microscopy and culture, swabs for bacterial microscopy and culture, and an ultraviolet examination looking for erythrasma.

Treatment Options

Many cases can be treated and cured at home using over-the-counter powders and creams. More severe, persistent cases may require further attention by one of our physicians at American Foot & Leg Specialists. For these cases, you may be prescribed medicine in the form of a pill and/or a topical treatment, which can be applied directly to the affected and surrounding areas.

Simple steps such as wearing sandals around pools and in the locker room, are effective ways of keeping the fungi at bay. Additionally, keeping your shoes dry and well ventilated is very important. Wearing socks that wick moisture from the feet or using a talcum powder that can be applied to the feet, works to not only keep the feet dry, but to also limit your chances of getting athlete’s foot.

The physicians at American Foot & Leg Specialists are ready to help you control or cure your chronic foot conditions. Make an appointment today to get your feet checked!