Athlete's Foot
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How to Prevent Athlete's Foot
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a
fungal infection of the skin of the feet. Despite its name, athlete's foot can
affect anyone and is not
restricted to those who play sports or participate in physical exercise. It is
estimated that up to 70% of the population will have athlete's foot at some time
in their lives.
Symptoms of athlete's foot include dry skin, itching, burning, and redness of
the feet. The symptoms are often apparent in the skin between the toes, where
the infection usually starts. Blistering, peeling, cracking of the skin, and
bleeding may occur. Sometimes the affected skin can appear white and wet on the
surface.
The fungus that causes
athlete's foot can be found on floors and clothing, and the organisms require a
warm, dark, and humid environment in order to grow. The infection spreads by
direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. As the infection spreads,
it may affect the soles of the feet or the toenails. The affected skin is also
more vulnerable to bacteria that cause skin infection (cellulitis). This is
particularly common in persons with diabetes, the elderly,
and people with impaired function of the immune system.
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What is Athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a skin infection in the foot caused by a fungus.
The fungus that causes Athlete foot is called Trichophyton.
When the feet, or other areas of the body, stay moist, warm and
irritated, this fungus can thrive and infect the upper layer of
the skin.
Athlete foot is caused by the ringworm fungus ("tinea" in medical jargon). Athlete foot is also called tinea pedis. The fungus that causes Athlete foot can be found
on floors and in socks and clothing. The fungus can be spread
from person to person by contact with these objects. However,
without proper growing conditions (a warm, moist environment),
the fungus will not infect the skin. Up to 70% of the population
will have athletes foot at some time during their lives.
What are the symptoms of Athlete foot?
The symptoms of Athlete foot include itching and
burning feet. The skin frequently peels and, in particularly
severe cases, there may be some cracking, pain and bleeding as
well.
When the skin is injured by the fungus, bacteria
can also invade the skin. These bacteria can cause a bad smell.
Bacterial infection of the skin and resulting inflammation is
known as cellulitis. This is especially likely to occur in the
elderly, individuals with diabetes, chronic leg swelling, or who
have had veins removed (such as for heart bypass surgery), and
patients with impaired immune systems.
How can Athlete foot be treated?
The treatment of Athlete foot can be divided into
two parts. The first, and most important part, is to make the
infected area less suitable for the Athlete foot fungus to grow.
This means keeping the area clean and dry. Buy shoes that are
leather or other breathable material. Shoe materials, such as
vinyl, that don't breath cause your feet to remain moist, providing
an excellent area for the fungus to breed. Likewise, absorbent
socks that wick water away from your feet such as cotton socks
will help. Powders, especially medicated powders (such as with
miconazole or
tolnaftate), can help keep your feet dry. Finally, your feet can be soaked in a
drying solution of aluminum acetate (Burrow's solution or Domeboro's solution).
The second part of treatment is the use of antifungal
creams. Many medications are available including miconazole,
clotrimazole, etc. Ask your health care professional or pharmacist
for a recommendation. Treatment should be continued for 4 weeks.
When should I seek medical care?
If you notice any redness, increased swelling, bleeding,
or if your infection is not clearing up, see your healthcare
practitioner. If a bacterial infection is also occurring, an antibiotic may
be necessary.
Athlete Foot At A Glance
- Athlete foot causes foot itching, burning, pain, and
scaling.
- Athlete foot is caused by a fungus and is treated
with antifungal medications, many of which are available over-the- counter.
- Keeping the feet dry by using cotton socks and
breathable shoes can help prevent athletes foot.
For further information about Athlete foot,
please visit the following site: APMA: Athlete Foot.
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Last Editorial Review: 9/7/2005
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