Athlete's foot is more than a concern for athletes; it can affect anyone. This common fungal infection arises from a fungus known as tinea pedis, which flourishes in warm, moist places. Your feet, especially the areas between your toes, are prime targets for this fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, and skin peeling. By grasping what athlete's foot is, recognizing its symptoms, and knowing how to treat and prevent it, you can keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
What is Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection that mainly targets the skin on the feet. This infection is part of a category called dermatophyte infections, caused by fungi that can invade keratin found in skin, hair, and nails. Many people associate this condition with athletes due to its prevalence in locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools. However, anyone can catch it.
This infection commonly occurs in warm areas of your feet, and symptoms can be mild to very severe. If untreated, complications may arise, such as bacterial infections. In fact, about 15% of the general population experience athlete's foot at some point in their lives.
Different Presentations
Most people equate athlete's foot with itching, but in fact most tinea infections have no symptoms. This is because tinea infections are locally immunosuppressive, and the body doesn't mount a response to them.
Understanding how athlete's foot presents itself helps in identifying and treating it quickly. Here are the main types:
Interdigital Athlete's Foot
This is the most widespread type, often starting between the fourth and fifth toes. Individuals may experience intense itching, noticeable redness, and peeling in these areas. In severe cases, the skin may crack, leading to more discomfort.
Hyperkeratotic or "Moccasin" Athlete's Foot
This form displays thick, dry, scaly patches beneath the soles of the feet, and can extend up the sides of the feet especially around the ankles. Dry, white, almost powdery skin around the heels is a common sign. It is usually not painful or itchy. Cracks can develop, causing pain and increasing the chances of a secondary bacterial infection. Studies show that about 30% of those with athlete's foot experience this type.
Vesicular Athlete's Foot
Characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters, this variation can be particularly painful and itchy. These blisters can break open, creating uncomfortable and sensitive areas that are at risk for a bacterial infection.
Ulcerative Athlete's Foot
The least common but most serious form, it can develop from untreated interdigital athlete's foot. It results in skin breakdown that forms ulcers, requiring medical attention. This form generally develops a secondary bacterial infection, with complications (such as non-healing wounds) in up to 10% of cases. These cases are particularly dangerous for people who have diabetes, reduced immunity, or poor circulation to their feet.
Treatment
Failure to recognize and treat athlete's foot can cause significant skin damage and pain. It can spread to encompass the entire foot. Untreated athlete's foot can also migrate into the nails, causing toenail fungus. Athlete's foot is caused by the same organism that causes "ringworm" and "jock itch," and can migrate to literally any other part of the body.
Treating athlete's foot generally requires over-the-counter antifungal medications and good foot hygiene. Here are common treatment options:
Topical Antifungals
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, and sprays are effective ways to eliminate athlete's foot. Products with clotrimazole or tolfinate can provide relief and clear the infection when used as directed. Many Dermatologists recommend using the product for at least 8 weeks, to fully clear the infection. They are used twice a day.
Prescription Medications
In cases that resist over-the-counter solutions, healthcare providers may prescribe oral antifungal medications. This option may be necessary for individuals with severely persistent infections.
Home Remedies
Natural remedies can supplement standard treatments. Here are a few popular options:
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil has antifungal properties. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply it to the affected skin to help combat the infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Its acidity can slow fungal growth. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and soak your feet for 30 minutes daily until symptoms improve. Research indicates that vinegar may eliminate up to 90% of fungi in controlled environments.
Baking Soda
A paste made of baking soda and water can diminish itchiness and dry blisters. Apply it to the affected areas and rinse after 10 minutes. This will not cure the athlete's foot, only improve the symptoms.
Salt Water Soak
Soaking in warm salt water can alleviate swelling and assist with healing. Just 1-2 tablespoons of salt in a basin of warm water for 15-20 minutes daily can increase comfort levels. The salt will not kill the fungus, but can help avoid bacterial infection.
Garlic
Garlic is believed to have antifungal properties. Crushing fresh garlic and applying it may provide relief. Adding more garlic to your diet can also offer health benefits overall. Fresh garlic may cause pain in open wounds.
While these remedies can alleviate symptoms, they should not replace medical treatments, especially in severe instances.
Prevention
Preventing athlete's foot is crucial for overall foot health. Here are practical tips for avoidance:
Keep Feet Dry
Since fungi thrive in moisture, drying your feet thoroughly after bathing is essential. Pay special attention to the areas between your toes.
Choose Breathable Footwear
Select shoes made from breathable materials to allow proper air circulation. Rotate your shoes to ensure they completely dry out between uses.
Use Antifungal Powder
Applying antifungal powder can help keep feet dry and deter fungus growth, particularly for those who frequently sweat.
Wear Flip-Flops in Public Spaces
In places like communal showers or pool areas, flip-flops or water shoes can act as a barrier against fungal infections, protecting your feet.
Practice Good Hygiene
Daily foot washing is important. Check your feet daily for signs of skin changes, and be sure to wash between the toes with your fingers or a cloth. Change your socks and shoes regularly, particularly after activities that induce sweating. Wear fresh socks every day, and launder socks, towels, and bedding frequently. It is a good idea to put on your socks before your underwear when you have athlete's foot, as the causative organism is the same one that causes the skin condition commonly referred to as "jock itch."
Specifically For Athletes & Outdoors Folks
People engaging in sporting and outdoor activities should make an extra effort to take care of their feet. After your sport, hike, or work day, have clean dry socks and shoes in your bag - and maybe even a small towel - so you can dry your feet off right away. The longer your feet stay in wet socks and shoes, the higher your risk of developing athlete's foot. Dry your skates, cleats, hikers, runners, ski or work boots out thoroughly between uses. Footwear that can't be put in the dryer can be dried with a portable shoe/boot dryer, or by allowing them to air dry completely before the next use. Hang drysuit, wetsuit, and wader booties inside out to encourage faster drying. Consider using an antifungal powder in your shoes or socks to reduce your risk.
Tournaments and multi-day backcountry trips can make it particularly difficult to keep your feet dry. Try changing into fresh socks between each game in a tournament, and if you're on a prolonged backcountry trip be sure to change your socks daily and take your socks and hiking boots off right away at the end of the day's hike. Bring "camp shoes" - a dry pair of shoes you can wear around your camp area so your hikers can dry out. Give your feet a chance to air out as often as possible. Wear moisture-wicking socks like wool or polypropylene instead of cotton. Pack a small tube of antifungal cream in your first aid kit so you can treat athlete's foot at the first sign of it.
Individuals participating in sports and outdoor activities should prioritize foot care. After engaging in sports, hiking, or a workday, ensure you have clean, dry socks and shoes in your bag, along with a small towel, to dry your feet immediately. Prolonged exposure to wet socks and shoes increases the risk of athlete's foot. Thoroughly dry your skates, cleats, hiking boots, running shoes, ski boots, or work boots between uses. Footwear that can't be machine-dried can be dried using a portable shoe/boot dryer or by allowing them to air dry completely before the next use. Hang drysuit, wetsuit, and wader booties inside out to speed up drying. Consider using antifungal powder in your shoes or socks to lower the risk.
Tournaments and multi-day backcountry trips can make keeping your feet dry particularly challenging. Change into fresh socks between each game during a tournament, and on extended backcountry trips, change socks daily and remove your socks and hiking boots immediately after the day's hike. Bring an extra pair of shoes to wear when you don't need your main footwear, so they can dry out. Allow your feet to air out as often as possible. Opt for moisture-wicking socks like wool or polypropylene instead of cotton. Include a small tube of antifungal cream in your first aid kit to treat athlete's foot at the first sign.
By incorporating these proactive measures, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing athlete's foot, allowing your feet to remain comfortable and healthy.
Take Action for Your Foot Health
Athlete's foot is not just an athlete's problem; it affects many people. Knowing its nature, recognizing its presentations, and understanding treatment options is essential for managing and preventing this annoying infection. While medical treatment can effectively address athlete's foot, home remedies and preventive strategies offer additional support for foot health. By maintaining good hygiene and making informed choices, you can keep your feet in excellent shape and avoid the discomfort that comes with athlete's foot.
A foot care nurse can help you with diagnosis and treatment of athlete's foot, as well as education around managing your condition, preventing transmission to other household members, and preventing reinfection after treatment. Your health matters, and taking care of your feet ensures they can carry you through your daily life with ease.
