Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. Despite its name, this condition can affect anyone—not just athletes. It’s highly contagious and thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers.
How Do You Get Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which grow on the top layer of the skin. The fungi responsible for athlete’s foot are often picked up in places where people walk barefoot on wet surfaces. This makes communal areas like pools, showers, and gym locker rooms ideal breeding grounds.
You can get athlete’s foot in several ways:
- Direct contact: Walking barefoot in infected areas or sharing towels, shoes, or socks with someone who has the infection can spread the fungus.
- Touching contaminated surfaces: Fungi can live on floors, mats, or towels for extended periods.
- Wearing tight, damp footwear: Shoes that don’t breathe well trap moisture, creating a perfect environment for fungal growth.
What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?
Athlete’s foot can present in several forms, depending on the type of fungus and the location of the infection. Common signs include:
- Itchy, red, and scaly rash: Most often found between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes.
- Blisters: Some forms of athlete’s foot may cause blisters or ulcers on the foot.
- Cracked or peeling skin: This can occur on the sole of the foot or between the toes.
- Thickened, yellowish toenails: Fungal infections can spread to the toenails, causing them to thicken, discolor, and become brittle.
- Dry, flaky skin: In some cases, the skin on the bottom or sides of the feet may become extremely dry and flaky.
The infection can also spread to other parts of the body if the fungi are transferred by scratching or touching.
How Is Athlete’s Foot Treated?
Fortunately, athlete’s foot is usually easy to treat. The key is to start treatment early to prevent the infection from spreading or worsening.
- Over-the-counter antifungal treatments: Creams, powders, sprays, and ointments containing active ingredients like terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole are effective for mild cases. Apply as directed for at least a week after symptoms disappear to ensure the fungus is completely eradicated.
- Prescription medications: If the infection is severe or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, a doctor may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications.
- Home remedies: Soaking the feet in diluted vinegar or tea tree oil can help reduce symptoms, but these remedies should complement antifungal treatments.
- Good foot hygiene: Keeping feet clean and dry is essential during treatment. Wash your feet daily, dry them thoroughly (especially between the toes), and change socks regularly.
How Can You Prevent Athlete’s Foot?
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to athlete’s foot. Here are some steps you can take to protect your feet:
- Keep feet dry: The fungus thrives in moist conditions, so it’s important to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes, after bathing or swimming.
- Wear breathable shoes: Opt for shoes made of breathable materials like leather or mesh, and avoid wearing the same pair every day to allow shoes to dry out.
- Use antifungal powders or sprays: If you’re prone to athlete’s foot or frequently use public showers or locker rooms, applying antifungal powder to your feet and shoes can help prevent the fungus from taking hold.
- Wear flip-flops or shower shoes: Always wear protective footwear in communal areas like gym showers or poolside to minimize your exposure to contaminated surfaces.
- Change socks daily: Moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry. Avoid synthetic materials that trap moisture, and change socks as needed, especially after exercise or prolonged wear.
- Don’t share personal items: Avoid sharing shoes, socks, towels, or nail clippers with others, as these items can spread the infection.
Conclusion
Athlete’s foot may be a common condition, but it’s preventable and treatable with the right care. By maintaining proper foot hygiene and being mindful of the environments where fungi thrive, you can keep your feet healthy and avoid the discomfort of this pesky infection. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications.
READ MORE: Gym Gear & Germs
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/athletes-foot
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279549/