Athlete’s foot is one of the most common conditions affecting the skin of the feet. Despite its name, you don’t have to be an athlete to develop it. Athlete’s foot can affect anyone, especially people who spend a lot of time in warm, damp environments or wear enclosed shoes for extended periods.
The good news is that athlete’s foot is usually treatable. However, when the infection is persistent, severe, or keeps coming back, seeing a podiatrist can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments.
The fungus can spread through direct contact with an infected person or by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces such as:
- Locker room floors
- Public showers
- Swimming pool areas
- Gyms
- Shared bathrooms
- Towels, shoes, or socks
The infection can also spread from one part of your foot to another and may eventually affect the toenails.
What Does Athlete’s Foot Look and Feel Like?
Athlete’s foot can appear in several different forms. Common symptoms include:
- Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes
- Peeling or cracking skin
- Redness or inflammation
- Dry, scaly skin on the bottom or sides of the feet
- Small blisters
- Soreness or irritation
- A rash that becomes worse after removing shoes and socks
One of the most common forms is interdigital athlete’s foot, which occurs between the toes. Another form, known as moccasin-type athlete’s foot, can cause dry, scaling skin across the soles and sides of the feet.
Why Does Athlete’s Foot Keep Coming Back?
Many people successfully treat athlete’s foot with an over-the-counter antifungal medication. However, recurrence is common.
The fungus can survive in shoes, socks, and other damp environments. Wearing the same shoes every day without allowing them to dry completely can create an environment where the fungus continues to thrive.
Other factors that can contribute to recurrent athlete’s foot include:
- Excessive sweating of the feet
- Wearing tight or poorly ventilated footwear
- Walking barefoot in communal areas
- Not drying thoroughly between the toes
- Sharing shoes, socks, or towels
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having diabetes
- Untreated fungal toenails
Importantly, not every itchy or peeling foot is athlete’s foot. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and other skin disorders can look similar. This is one reason a professional evaluation can be helpful when symptoms don’t improve.
How Can a Podiatrist Help?
A podiatrist can evaluate your feet and determine whether your symptoms are actually caused by a fungal infection. This is particularly important when symptoms persist despite treatment.
Depending on the situation, your podiatrist may recommend:
1. Antifungal Treatment
Treatment may include topical antifungal medications for mild infections. More persistent or extensive infections may require a different treatment approach, including prescription medications in appropriate cases.
Your podiatrist can recommend the treatment that best fits the type and severity of your infection.
2. Evaluating Persistent Symptoms
If your symptoms don’t respond to typical antifungal treatment, your podiatrist can look for other possible causes. In some situations, testing may be appropriate to help confirm whether a fungal infection is present.
This can prevent you from repeatedly treating a condition that isn’t actually athlete’s foot.
3. Treating Associated Toenail Fungus
Athlete’s foot and fungal toenails can occur together. A fungal infection of the toenail, called onychomycosis, can serve as a reservoir for fungus and contribute to recurrent skin infections.
Your podiatrist can evaluate abnormal toenails and discuss appropriate treatment options.
4. Addressing Excessive Sweating
People who have excessively sweaty feet may be more susceptible to athlete’s foot. Your podiatrist can recommend strategies to reduce moisture and, when appropriate, discuss treatments for excessive foot sweating.
5. Providing Prevention Strategies
Preventing athlete’s foot requires more than simply treating the infection. Your podiatrist can provide recommendations for keeping your feet dry and reducing your risk of reinfection.
How Can You Prevent Athlete’s Foot?
A few simple habits can make a significant difference:
Keep your feet dry. Wash your feet regularly and dry carefully, particularly between the toes.
Change your socks regularly. If your feet sweat heavily, consider changing your socks during the day.
Choose breathable footwear. Shoes made from materials that allow air circulation can help reduce moisture.
Rotate your shoes. Give shoes adequate time to dry before wearing them again.
Wear footwear in communal areas. Use shower shoes or sandals in locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas.
Don’t share personal items. Avoid sharing shoes, socks, towels, or other items that come into contact with the feet.
Don’t ignore your toenails. If your toenails become thickened, discolored, or brittle, have them evaluated.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You should consider seeing a podiatrist if your athlete’s foot:
- Doesn’t improve with appropriate over-the-counter treatment
- Keeps coming back
- Is spreading to other areas
- Causes significant cracking or discomfort
- Is accompanied by signs of infection
- Involves the toenails
- Occurs along with diabetes or other conditions that affect foot health
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, severe pain, or other signs of a bacterial infection.
Healthy Feet Start With Proper Care
Athlete’s foot may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with persistent itching, peeling, or discomfort. Proper treatment and prevention can help keep your feet healthy and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
If you have a rash, itching, peeling skin, or other concerns about your feet, a podiatrist can help determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Don’t let athlete’s foot keep you on the sidelines. Take care of your feet and get professional help when symptoms persist.
By: Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM, DABFAS, DABPM
