Athlete’s foot is more common in men than in women because they are more likely to wear heavy shoes and socks, which provides a breeding ground for the fungus to develop. This fungal infection, which is closely related to other fungal infections like ringworm and jock itch, usually begins between the toes but can spread around the foot and even onto the hands.
What Are the Signs?
Athlete’s foot is easily identified by its most common symptom: cracked, peeling skin between the toes or on the side of the foot. This infection has a number of additional tell-tale signs, including:
● Itching, stinging and burning between the toes, which is often most severe right after removing shoes and socks
● Itching, stinging and burning that extends across the soles of the feet
● Blisters or ulcers on the feet that itch, ooze or become crusty
● Cracked, peeling skin on the feet that extends from the toes and sides of the feet onto the soles of the feet
● Raw skin on the feet
● Thick, discolored and crumbling toenails
● Toenails that pull away from the nail bed
There is a moccasin variety of athlete’s foot that can cause chronic dryness and scaling on the soles of the feet that can extend of the sides of the foot. This variety of athlete’s foot may be mistaken for eczema or even as dry skin.
How Did I Get It?
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that anyone can get, but certain behaviors will increase your risk. Among those:
● Using public facilities, including locker rooms, showers and public swimming pools while barefoot
● Sharing socks, shoes or towels with someone who has the infection
● Regularly wearing tight-fitting, closed-toed shoes that create a moist environment for the fungus to develop
● Keeping your feet wet for long periods of time or having sweaty feet
● Exposing yourself to the fungus with even a minor skin or nail injury on your foot
While athlete’s foot typically occurs in the feet, it can spread to the hands, particularly if you scratch infected skin. For this reason, it’s important to keep your hands off your infected skin, avoid scratching and wash your hands after applying any topical medication.
What Can I Do About It?
Although this infection is typically not serious, in some cases it can be difficult to cure. If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, keep your feet dry and let your feet air out to prevent the infection from further developing or spreading. Most cases can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical ointments, lotions, powders or sprays and will not require medical attention; however, if you suffer from diabetes or have a weakened immune system and you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, call your doctor immediately because you may be at risk for developing a more serious infection. Also, if you notice that you have excessive redness, swelling, drainage or especially fever, seek immediate medical attention.
If the fungus grows between your toes, which is common, a bacterial infection may occur, which can cause the skin to break down further. Blisters that form may make you more susceptible to infection. If your foot develops red streaks and is swollen or warm to the touch, it may be a sign that you’ve developed a further bacterial infection, such as cellulitis, which requires immediate medical attention to avoid potentially dangerous complications.
If you have been struggling to treat your rash for more than a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor, who may prescribe topical or oral prescription-strength antifungal medications. Your doctor may suggest home remedies to help clear up the infection. Here are a few ideas.
● Dry your feet thoroughly after a bath or shower, particularly between your toes, using a hair dryer
● Wear shoes that are made of canvas or leather, which allow your feet to breathe, and don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Rubber or plastic shoes hold in moisture and cause the feet to sweat, and even canvas and leather shoes take at least a day to dry fully.
● Dust the insides of all of your shoes with antifungal powder or spray, or, to kill fungus spores (and prevent a recurrence), spray the insides of shoes with a disinfectant, like Lysol.
● Add enough water to a tablespoon of baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste, then rinse and thoroughly dry the feet to relieve the burn and itch from athlete’s foot. You can finish this procedure up with a dusting of cornstarch or baby powder to keep the feet dry.
● Try a tea soak. Tea contains tannic acid, which acts as a natural astringent to dry out sweaty feet. To make a tea soak, add five tea bags to a liter of boiling water and let steep for five minutes. Once the liquid has returned to a lukewarm temperature, you can soak your feet for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
● Plain yogurt contains live acidophilus bacteria, which may be an instant remedy for athlete’s foot. The microorganisms in the yogurt help keep the fungus in check. Using only plain (not flavored) yogurt, dab generously on the affected areas, let dry and rinse off.
● When you are in public places where others go barefoot, like gyms, health clubs, locker rooms and around swimming pools, wear slippers to avoid spreading the infection to others.