Athlete's foot ( tinea pedis ) is a fungal skin infection that begins between the toes. It usually occurs in people whose feet sweat excessively when wearing poorly made, non-breathable footwear that maintains a moist environment inside the feet.

The signs and symptoms of athlete's foot are visible to the naked eye or feel like a scaly, itchy rash. The condition is contagious and can be spread through contaminated floors, towels, clothing, showers, or swimming pools.

Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch . It can be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection often returns.

Symptoms of athlete's foot

Athlete's foot can affect one or both feet. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Scaly, cracked, or peeling skin between the toes
• Itching or tingling, especially just after taking off shoes and socks
• Inflamed skin that may appear reddish, purplish, or grayish, depending on your skin color
• Burning or stinging
• “Blisters on the feet”
• Dry, flaky skin on the sole of the foot that extends to the side.

When to consult a doctor

If you have a foot rash that does not improve within a few days of starting self-treatment with an over-the-counter antifungal product , “ CLEAR SKIN ,” consult a doctor.

If the patient has diabetes , they should always consult a doctor if they have even the slightest suspicion of athlete's foot . Also, consult a doctor if the person has a fever or signs of infection, pus, or swelling in the affected area.

Causes of athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungus ( dermatophytes ) that causes ringworm and jock itch . Damp, sweaty socks and shoes, and warm, humid conditions can encourage the growth of these organisms.

Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, such as contaminated towels, floors, clothing, showers, swimming pools, and shoes. It can also spread from the patient's foot to other parts of the body, especially if the infected area is scratched or touched.

Risk factors for athlete's foot

People are at higher risk of getting athlete's foot if they:

• Wearing inappropriate footwear is often the greatest risk.
• Sweating intensely, whether due to physical activity, metabolism, or heat.
• Sharing carpets, rugs, bedding, clothing, shoes, showers, or wet recreation areas with someone who has a fungal infection
• Walking barefoot in public areas where infection can spread, such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal bathrooms and showers

Complications of athlete's foot

The athlete's foot infection can spread to other warm, moist parts of the body. Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot . It's common for the infection to spread from the foot to the groin, as the fungus can be transferred via hands or towels.

Athlete’s foot can often cause bacterial infections.

Prevention of athlete's foot

Following these recommendations can help prevent you from getting athlete's foot or infecting others:

• Let your feet air out. If possible, wear " Boccio Therapeutic and Biomechanical Footwear ," shoes tailored to each person's individual needs. They are made with 100% natural, comfortable materials and are specifically designed for these situations. They offer true breathability, providing a fresh, healthy environment for your feet.
• Wash your feet daily. Use plenty of soap and water, rinse, and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. If you have had athlete's foot , apply medicated foot powder or an over-the-counter antifungal product , " CLEAR SKIN ."
• Change your socks every day. Change your socks at least once a day, or more often if your feet sweat excessively. Moisture-wicking socks, such as cotton, help keep your feet drier than nylon or synthetic socks.
• Alternate shoe usage. Wear different shoes for each activity. This way, the shoes will have time to air out after each use.
• Protect your feet in public places. Wear sandals or waterproof shoes around public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
• Know the risk factors for spreading the infection. If you live with others, don't share shoes, bedding, or unwashed towels.

Diagnosis of athlete's foot

A healthcare professional, including the patient or a close family member, may be able to diagnose athlete's foot just by looking at it. Some types of athlete's foot may look like dry skin or dermatitis . To help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, the doctor may take a skin sample from the affected area for laboratory testing.

Treatment for athlete's foot

“Athlete’s foot” responds to some over-the-counter products and to perfect personal care and the good habit of wearing appropriate shoes, the best recommendation is to use “ BOCCIO THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL FOOTWEAR ”, shoes manufactured according to the individual and particular needs of each patient, made with 100% natural materials, with dyed leather (never painted), comfortable and specially designed for this type of situations.

You may need to see a doctor for a recommendation for a cream or ointment with a similar strength to prescription products, such as clotrimazole, “ CLEAR SKIN .” If you have a more severe infection, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), or you may need both a topical and oral medication.