Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin on your feet. It often occurs on the skin that is between or underneath the toes. It can also occur on the soles of your feet. The infection can spread from person to person (is contagious). It can also spread when a person’s bare feet come in contact with the fungus on shower floors or on items such as shoes.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by a fungus that grows in warm, moist places. You can get athlete’s foot by sharing shoes, shower stalls, towels, and wet floors with someone who is infected. Not washing your feet or changing your socks often enough can also lead to athlete’s foot.
What increases the risk?
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Men.
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People who have a weak body defense system (immune system).
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People who have diabetes.
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People who use public showers, such as at a gym.
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People who wear heavy-duty shoes, such as industrial or military shoes.
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Seasons with warm, humid weather.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Itchy areas between your toes or on the soles of your feet.
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White, flaky, or scaly areas between your toes or on the soles of your feet.
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Very itchy small blisters between your toes or on the soles of your feet.
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Small cuts in your skin. These cuts can become infected.
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Thick or discolored toenails.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Your health care provider may also take a skin or toenail sample to examine under a microscope.
How is this treated?
This condition is treated with antifungal medicines. These may be applied as powders, ointments, or creams. In severe cases, an oral antifungal medicine may be given.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Apply or take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Apply your antifungal medicine as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antifungal even if your condition improves.
Foot care
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Do not scratch your feet.
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Keep your feet dry:
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Wear cotton or wool socks. Change your socks every day or if they become wet.
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Wear shoes that allow air to flow, such as sandals or canvas tennis shoes.
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Wash and dry your feet, including the area between your toes. Also, wash and dry your feet:
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Every day or as told by your health care provider.
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After exercising.
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General instructions
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Do not let others use towels, shoes, nail clippers, or other personal items that touch your feet.
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Protect your feet by wearing sandals in wet areas, such as locker rooms and shared showers.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
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If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have a fever.
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You have swelling, soreness, warmth, or redness in your foot.
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Your feet are not getting better with treatment.
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Your symptoms get worse.
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You have new symptoms.
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You have severe pain.
Summary
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Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin on your feet. It often occurs on skin that is between or underneath the toes.
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This condition is caused by a fungus that grows in warm, moist places.
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Symptoms include white, flaky, or scaly areas between your toes or on the soles of your feet.
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This condition is treated with antifungal medicines.
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Keep your feet clean. Always dry them thoroughly.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
