Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that can occur in anyone, not just athletes. It often starts between the toes and can cause itching, peeling skin, and blisters. It can be easily treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or oral medication if necessary. Prevention includes wearing well-ventilated shoes and using antifungal powder in shoes.
Athlete’s foot is the fungal infection, “tinea pedis”. It is in the same family as ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Athlete’s foot is a common infection and while often seen among athletes, it can occur in anyone.
Athlete’s foot most often occurs between the toes. although it can spread to toenails and the tops of the toes. This is because shoes provide the warm, moist, dark environment that the fungus prefers. The first symptoms are usually intense itching or burning between the toes. Left untreated, symptoms of athlete’s foot can also include peeling skin, blisters, dry, flaky skin, and even brittle nails.
Athlete’s foot gets its name from when it seemed to occur commonly among athletes. Showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms are all great places to hide athlete’s foot, and athletes naturally frequent these places too. The fungus responsible is the dermatophyte, which is rather mold-like. Once established in the skin, the dermatophytes multiply, causing itching and rash.
Fortunately, athlete’s foot is usually easily treated and generally doesn’t require medical attention. There are several over-the-counter antifungal creams available. The most common are: Terbinafine (Lamisil AT); Clotrimazole Lotrimin AF) and Miconazole (Micatin). Applying the cream to the affected area two to three times a day for a few days usually brings relief and healing.
If left untreated, athlete’s foot can cause skin breakdown and a secondary bacterial infection, especially in those with suppressed immune systems (diabetics or HIV/AIDS patients). For intractable cases, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications that are usually very effective against athlete’s foot or any fungus in the tinea family.
Athlete’s foot is also easy to prevent. Most podiatrists recommend using an antifungal powder in your shoes, wearing wool or cotton socks, wearing light, well-ventilated shoes, wearing shower shoes in communal showers, and keeping your feet dry whenever possible by going home barefoot.
It’s not comfortable, but with prompt treatment, athlete’s foot usually goes away as soon as it arrives.
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