Written by: Zobiana Dillsworth
What Is It?
Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a subtype of ringworm, a common fungus. It usually begins between the toes but can affect the top and sole of your foot as well as the heel. It appears as an itchy, burning rash that eventually cracks and/or blisters. Athlete’s foot usually causes the affected areas to smell bad (1).
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What Causes It?
Because athlete’s foot is a fungus, it thrives in dark, wet environments (such as sweaty socks and shoes). It can be spread through contact with an infected surface, including the foot itself, floors, and towels (2).
What Are The Different Types?
Athlete’s foot can be divided into four subtypes: toe web infection, mocassin-type infection, vesicular-type infection, and ulcerative infection.
Toe web infection is the most common with the fungus appearing between the ring and pinkie toes (4th and 5th). This infection is characterized by redness, cracking, peeling, and/or flaking.
Mocassin-type infection affects the bottoms and edges of the foot as well as the heel. This infection causes soreness, thickening, and cracking. Sometimes, this infection spreads to the toenail.
Vesicular-type infection can appear anywhere on the foot and causes fluid-filled blisters.
Ulcerative infections are rare, but when they do appear, they do so between the toes and bottoms of the feet. This infection type is characterized by open sores (1).
Who Is Affected?
Athlete’s foot can affect anyone, but there are certain risk factors for the fungus. The following groups are more commonly affected: men, anyone over the age of 60, diabetics, and those who have obesity or a weakened immune system (1). Additionally, anyone who does the following has a higher risk: sweats heavily and frequently; wears tight socks and/or shoes; shares a bed or living space with someone who has the fungus; or walks barefoot in public spaces (2).
How Do You Prevent It?
Athlete’s foot can be prevented by changing your socks, wearing different shoes, and washing your feet every day. Also, wear sandals over close-toed shoes and use shower shoes in public areas (2). Applying talcum powder can help the feet absorb moisture, reducing the amount of moisture available for fungal growth (1).
How Do You Treat It?
Over-the-counter treatments are available for athlete’s foot; these treatments come in the form of gel, cream, spray, powder, or ointment and contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate, or terbinafine. If the affected area does not go away with treatment or looks infected, go to a doctor. Doctors can also prescribe antifungal pills, which contain fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine. Those who are affected should avoid scratching and wearing tight footwear (1).
References:
“What Is Athlete's Foot & How Do You Treat It?” Cleveland Clinic, 1 December 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22139-athletes-foot-tinea-pedis.
“Athlete's foot - Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, 28 September 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841.
Disclaimer: This organization's content is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
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