What is an Athlete’s Foot?

An athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. This fungal skin is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection often comes back.

What are the Symptoms of an Athlete’s Foot

• Cracking and peeling skin on your feet, most commonly between your toes and on your soles
• Itching, stinging, and burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet
• Blisters on your feet that itch
• Raw skin on your feet
• Dry skin on the soles or sides of your feet
• Toenails that pull away from the nail bed
• Discolored or crumbly toenails

Is Athlete’s Foot Contagious? 

This condition is contagious because the fungus grows on or in your skin. Fungi need warm temperatures and moisture to grow. People often wear socks and tight shoes every day, which keep their feet warm and moist. This is the perfect setting for an athlete’s foot to grow.

What are the Risk Factors of Athlete’s Foot?

Anyone can get an athlete’s foot, but certain behaviors increase your risk. Reasons that increase your risk of getting athlete’s foot include:

• Sharing towels, shoes, or socks with an infected person
• Visiting public places barefoot, especially locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools
• Keeping your feet wet for long periods 
• Using tight, closed-toe shoes or having sweaty feet
• Having a minor skin or nail injury on your foot

What are the Causes of Athlete’s foot?

An athlete’s foot happens when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. You can get the fungus through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. It’s commonly found in showers, locker room floors, and swimming. This is the perfect environment for an athlete’s foot to grow.

Prevention Tips for Athlete’s Foot

1. Let your feet air out. When you can, wear sandals to let your feet air out as much as possible.
2. Wash your feet daily. Use warm, soapy water and rinse and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. 
3. Change socks regularly. Change your socks at least once a day more often if your feet get really sweaty.
4. Alternate your shoes. Use different shoes from day to day. This gives your shoes time to dry after each use.
5. Protect your feet. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
6. Be aware of the triggers in your surroundings. If you live with others, don’t share shoes or unwashed bedding and towels.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Athlete’s Foot

To help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, your doctor might take a skin scraping from the affected area for testing in a lab. There are available nonprescription drugs that you can use for this condition. However, if OTC products do not work, you may need to see a doctor to get a prescription-strength cream or ointment.

Medication Used for Athlete’s Foot

Clotrimazole. It is an antifungal antibiotic. It is used against varieties of fungal infections like athlete’s foot. It works by killing the fungi and yeast by interfering with their cell membrane and can stop the fungi from producing ergosterol needed by the cell membrane for their survival. Once the cell membrane is disrupted, unwanted substances from outside the cell get in. As a result, the content of the cell leaks out and eventually kills the bacteria.

Whatever you use, continue treatment as per the doctor’s instructions, even if the rash seems to be getting better. It will help you prevent or avoid the infection from reoccurring. Some people regularly use medicated foot powders and sprays to prevent this from happening.

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