What is an Athlete’s Foot?

How to Identify & Treat Athlete’s Foot Effectively

Athlete’s Foot, also known as Tinea Pedis, is a fungal infection that usually occurs between the toes. The other areas that also get affected are the heels, soles, or tops of the feet. Prolonged exposure to sweat-producing, tight-fitting shoes causes this.

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread to other moist and warm body parts if left unchecked. According to studies, 3 -15% of the population is affected by athlete’s foot, and around 70% are affected at least once in their lives.

Keep reading to know more about this dreadful fungal infection.

What are the different types of athlete’s foot?

There are four different types of athlete’s foot, each with a varied set of symptoms. They are:

1. Toe-web infection : This is the most common type of infection. The skin usually cracks, peels, flakes, or changes colour, occurring between the fourth and fifth toes.
2. Vesicular-type infection : Vesicular-type infection can appear anywhere on the feet and mainly affects the bottom of the feet. It usually causes fluid-filled blisters or bumps, which can be itchy and painful.
3. Moccasin-type infection : This infection is where the skin thickens and begins cracking, making the feet feel sore. It infects the skin on the heels, edges, and the bottom of the feet. In a few cases, it spreads to the toenails, where they might thicken, break into tiny pieces and fall out.
4. Ulcerative infection : Ulcerative infection causes open sores that appear between the toes and is a severe and rare form of infection. The open sores may also appear at the bottom of the feet and are painful if not cared for.

What are the causes of athlete’s foot?

Dermatophytes, a type of fungus, cause Athlete’s foot, which is the same fungus causing jock itch and ringworm. It spreads through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or direct contact with the infected area.

Here are some common ways athlete’s foot can spread:

1. Wearing sweaty shoes and damp socks for an extended period.
2. Sharing shoes, socks, and towels with someone who is infected.
3. Walking barefoot in areas shared by a large group of people who might have athlete’s foot, like locker rooms, swimming pools, and saunas.
4. Humidity and prolonged exposure to water create a moist environment, perfect for fungal growth.

What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?

The athlete’s foot symptoms can show up on one or both feet. They include:

1. Peeling, scaly, or cracked skin between the toes
2. Itchy skin after removing socks or shoes
3. Purplish, greyish, or reddish inflammation of the skin, depending on the skin colour
4. Fluid-filled blisters, prone to bursting
5. Dry, flaky skin at the bottom of the foot
6. Burning or stinging sensation, especially when walking or standing

Who is at risk of athlete’s foot?

While anyone can be affected by athlete’s foot, it is primarily seen in people above 60 years and males. You may be at higher risk if you:

1. Have diabetes or a weak immune system
2. Wear enclosed and tight footwear frequently.
3. Share towels, rugs, mats, clothes, shoes, or bed linens with the infected person.
4. Have cuts, wounds, or tissue damage on your feet
5. Walk barefoot in public areas where infection can spread
6. Have poor foot hygiene

What are the do’s and don’ts if you are affected?

Don’t

1. Walk around barefoot
2. Share towels, clothes, rugs, shoes, or socks
3. Wear the same pair of shoes for over 2 or 3 days
4. Scratch the affected skin
5. Wear shoes that make your skin sweaty.

Do

1. Keep your feet dry after washing them, especially between the toes.
2. Wear clean socks (preferably cotton) and shoes every day
3. Wash your feet regularly and use a separate towel for them.

How to Treat Athlete’s Foot?

While mild cases can improve with hygiene changes, most require antifungals to prevent recurrence or spread.

If it doesn’t heal, you can use medicines like clotrimazole (Canesten), econazole, miconazole, and terbinafine (Lamisil), but it is crucial to consult a doctor before using the medication.

Stopping these medicines mid-course can result in the recurrence of the infection or make it more resistant and more challenging to treat.

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

Here are a few tips you can follow to avoid the risk of being affected by athlete’s foot or spreading it to others:

1. Wash your towels, socks, and bedding in hot water.
2. Keep your feet dry after bathing, washing, or swimming.
3. Use antifungal powder or talcum powder on your feet to absorb moisture.
4. Dry your shoes out for at least 24 hours before reuse.
5. Clean your shoes with disinfectant wipes and sprays.
6. Avoid using tight-fitting rubber or synthetic shoes for longer periods.

Athlete’s foot can be a painful condition and can be dangerous. It can quickly spread to your nails and groin areas, which are harder to treat and painful if left untreated. Understanding its types, symptoms, causes, and treatments helps you make informed decisions and quickly act.

That is why having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential. It provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses, such as fungal diseases, so you don’t have any financial burden to take care of your health.

Get in touch with Star Health today!