Athlete’s Foot FAQs

Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, and you don’t have to be an athlete to get it. The medical name for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. The reason it’s commonly called athlete’s foot is the fungus is often found inside locker rooms, gyms, swimming pools, and showers, i.e., the playground for most athletes. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and is easily spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itchy, dry skin, inflammation, blisters, and cracked heels. While it typically affects the soles of your feet and toenails, it can also spread to other body parts that provide a dark, damp home for it, including your groin and underarms. If athlete’s foot spreads to other body parts, it often goes by other names such as ringworm or jock itch. You can even get athlete’s foot on your head, face, or hands. It should be noted that not all fungus conditions affecting the feet are athlete’s foot. You could also suffer from conditions known as eczema, psoriasis, or even an allergic reaction to dyes used in your shoes.

Athlete’s foot treatment typically involves taking a topical or oral antifungal drug. While you may find several over-the-counter products claiming to cure athlete’s foot at your nearest grocery or pharmacy, sometimes it’s best to visit your podiatrist for more effective athlete’s foot treatment. The most common athlete’s foot treatments include creams, powders, sprays, and tablets. They all work similarly, but some may be better suited to you and your lifestyle than others. If you have diabetes or a circulatory issue, you may require specialized treatment.

Sadly, no. Athlete’s foot requires treatment to go away. The sooner you treat it, the quicker it will clear up and alleviate you of the unpleasant symptoms associated with it. If left untreated, athlete’s foot may spread to other parts of your body. It may also cause you to develop blisters or sores between your toes that can be excruciatingly painful whenever you walk and put weight on your infected foot.

Athlete’s foot treatment can take anywhere from one to four weeks. You should notice improvements within the first few days of treatment. If the symptoms don’t show any improvement within a week, you should consult your healthcare provider to determine the best method of treatment.

Athlete’s foot won’t prevent you from exercising, but you should refrain from swimming to avoid its spread to others. If you do choose to exercise with athlete’s foot, we recommend wearing cotton socks and shoes in the changing rooms. Always be sure to clean and dry your feet after exercising. Take extra precautions to wash your socks using hot water and be sure to give your shoes the chance to breathe before wearing them again.

If you frequently use public restrooms, swimming pools, or gyms, it can be tough, but not impossible, to prevent athlete’s foot. Here are some practical tips for keeping athlete’s foot at bay:

• Practicing good foot hygiene is your best defense. Be sure to wash your feet daily and dry them carefully between your toes.
• You should avoid walking barefoot inside all public restrooms, showers, changing rooms, or swimming pool areas.
• Wear shower shoes to protect your feet. It’s also best to wear light, airy shoes to help reduce feet sweat and socks that help keep your feet dry.
• You may want to invest in a foot or talcum powder to help you reduce perspiration.
• Change your socks daily and try to avoid wearing the same shoes for more than two days.
• Always wash your hands after handling your feet.
• Be sure to use separate towels for your feet and other body parts.
• Refrain from sharing towels, shoes, and socks with other people.