Our poor feet. They carry our weight, they keep us upright, they give clues about our overall health. But they’re often neglected. (If only they weren’t so hard to reach!)
This also means fungal and bacterial infections are pretty common down there. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that most people experience at one point or another. The common skin infection may go away quickly, but other times it may not, so it’s helpful to get an expert’s medical advice.
We spoke to Phillip Richardson, DPM, a podiatry specialist at Banner Health Center plus, about the best ways to prevent and treat athlete’s foot.
Common symptoms
Dr. Richardson pointed out that feet are the ideal breeding ground for fungus, since fungus thrives in warm, moist and dark environments. That’s why wearing shoes often makes athlete’s foot worse. If you live somewhere warm, your risk for these foot infections also increases. Tinea pedis is called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly caught in public showers, locker rooms and swimming pools.
If you get athlete’s foot, then you may notice the following symptoms on your feet or the skin between your toes:
- Itching, stinging or burning
- Blisters
- Cracking, peeling and dry skin
- Raw skin
- Discolored and weak toenails
- Toenails that break away
- Ulcers/sores with fluid
Conditions that cause a weakened immune system, like diabetes, can up your risk for athlete’s foot since immune dysfunction usually means reduced circulation and consequent feet problems. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also mentioned that athlete’s foot is more common in males than females.
“The biggest thing to keep in mind is that this type of infection is very common. It can occur in all age groups, and is not just limited to athletes,” Dr. Richardson said. “If the environment is optimal and if the patient is susceptible, the infection can occur.”
Best treatment options
“Medical treatment for athlete’s foot has not changed much over the last 10 years,” Dr. Richardson noted. If you have infected feet, he recommended using antifungal creams, powders and sprays inside your shoes. In the case of a more advanced infection, he prefers a two-pronged approach of oral medication and topicals/sprays/powders.
In addition to treating infected skin with the recommended medication, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) also recommends do the following to help control a case of athlete’s foot:
- Wash your feet and keep them clean, dry and cool.
- Avoid using public swimming pools, public showers or foot baths.
- Wear sandals when possible, or air shoes out by alternating them every 2-3 days.
- Avoid wearing closed shoes, and wearing socks made from fabric that doesn’t dry easily (for example, nylon).
In addition, the NIH recommended drying your toes thoroughly after bathing, and applying an over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptic powder containing tolnaftate or clotrimazole to your feet afterward, especially between your toes. Most healthy people will notice full recovery in 7-14 days.
In some severe cases, removing a person’s toenail may help stop the infection. Dr. Richardson said this might be needed if the toenail has become excessively thick and painful, or if the nail has started growing in a way that makes it difficult or painful to wear close-toed shoes. Removing your toenail isn’t something you should tackle on your own — make sure you get a doctor’s help.
How to prevent athlete’s foot
Want to keep athlete’s foot from showing up in the first place? The CDC recommends the following hygiene practices:
- Keep your nails clean and clipped short –– nails can house and spread infection.
- Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms or public showers (wear sandals or flip flops).
Dr. Richardson also suggested wearing socks and shoes that are designed to keep feet dry (i.e. with moisture-wicking materials) to help keep infections at bay.
When to see a doctor
If you’ve tried treating your athlete’s foot on your own and it hasn’t gone away, you’ll want to consult a doctor about your treatment options. They can accurately diagnose athlete's foot and provide medical advice, as well as a prescription for oral medication if needed. To find a doctor in your area, visit bannerhealth.com.
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