Athlete's foot
Definition:
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that develops in the moist areas between your toes and sometimes on other parts of your foot. Athlete's foot usually causes itching, stinging and burning.
Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is the most common type of fungal infection. It's closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. Although contagious, athlete's foot often can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medicatio
Symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of athlete's foot can be numerous, although you probably won't have all of them. They include:
When to see a doctor
If you have a rash on your foot that doesn't improve or worsens after you've followed home and lifestyle remedies, see your doctor. See your doctor sooner if you notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever, or if you have diabetes and suspect you have athlete's foot.
Causes:
Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections, including ringworm and jock itch. A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes causes these infections. These microscopic organisms are normal inhabitants of your skin, and their growth stays in check as long as your skin is clean and dry. However, dematophytes thrive in damp, close environments.
Athlete's foot thrives in thick, tight shoes that squeeze the toes together and create warm, moist areas between them. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions also favor the organisms' growth. Plastic shoes, in particular, provide a welcoming environment for fungal growth and infection.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or with contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
Complications:
Athlete's foot can lead to complications, including:
Treatments and drugs:
If your athlete's foot is mild, your doctor may suggest using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. If your athlete's foot doesn't respond, you may need a prescription-strength topical medication or an oral (systemic) medication.
Over-the-counter medications
There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications on the market. Medicated powders also will help keep your feet dry. OTC medications include:
If athlete's foot is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, you may need a prescription-strength topical or oral medication.
Wash and dry the affected area. Then, apply a thin layer of the topical agent once or twice a day for at least two weeks, or according to package directions. If you don't see an improvement after four weeks, see your doctor.
If your athlete's foot recurs frequently, your doctor may recommend that you use a medication continuously.
Definition:
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that develops in the moist areas between your toes and sometimes on other parts of your foot. Athlete's foot usually causes itching, stinging and burning.
Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is the most common type of fungal infection. It's closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. Although contagious, athlete's foot often can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medicatio
Symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of athlete's foot can be numerous, although you probably won't have all of them. They include:
- Itching, stinging and burning between your toes
- Itching, stinging and burning on the soles of your feet
- Itchy blisters
- Cracking and peeling skin, especially between your toes and on the soles of your feet
- Excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet
- Toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed
When to see a doctor
If you have a rash on your foot that doesn't improve or worsens after you've followed home and lifestyle remedies, see your doctor. See your doctor sooner if you notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever, or if you have diabetes and suspect you have athlete's foot.
Causes:
Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections, including ringworm and jock itch. A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes causes these infections. These microscopic organisms are normal inhabitants of your skin, and their growth stays in check as long as your skin is clean and dry. However, dematophytes thrive in damp, close environments.
Athlete's foot thrives in thick, tight shoes that squeeze the toes together and create warm, moist areas between them. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions also favor the organisms' growth. Plastic shoes, in particular, provide a welcoming environment for fungal growth and infection.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or with contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
Complications:
Athlete's foot can lead to complications, including:
- Secondary infections. Athlete's foot, a fungal
infection, can create an environment that invites a secondary bacterial
infection. By producing an antibiotic substance, the fungus can kill off
vulnerable bacteria and favor the overgrowth of hardier, resistant
bacteria. In turn, the bacteria release substances that can cause tissue
breakdown — soggy skin and painful eroded areas between the toes.
- An allergic response. After an episode of athlete's foot, proteins might enter your bloodstream, leading to an allergic reaction that may cause an eruption of blisters on your fingers, toes or hands (dermatophytid or "id" reaction).
Treatments and drugs:
If your athlete's foot is mild, your doctor may suggest using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. If your athlete's foot doesn't respond, you may need a prescription-strength topical medication or an oral (systemic) medication.
Over-the-counter medications
There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications on the market. Medicated powders also will help keep your feet dry. OTC medications include:
- Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- Miconazole (Desenex, Zeasorb, others)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin, Ting, others)
If athlete's foot is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, you may need a prescription-strength topical or oral medication.
- Topical medications. These include clotrimazole and miconazole.
- Oral medications. These include itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan) and terbinafine (Lamisil). Side effects from oral medications include gastrointestinal upset, rash and abnormal liver function. Taking other medications, such as antacid therapies for ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may interfere with the absorption of these drugs. Oral medications for athlete's foot may alter the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant drug that decreases the clotting ability of your blood.
Wash and dry the affected area. Then, apply a thin layer of the topical agent once or twice a day for at least two weeks, or according to package directions. If you don't see an improvement after four weeks, see your doctor.
If your athlete's foot recurs frequently, your doctor may recommend that you use a medication continuously.
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