Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection, and it could affect anyone, but it’s treatable and usually doesn’t lead to severe complications.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection in the feet, most often between the toes.

Athlete’s foot is a common condition among people, and it affects males more than females.

Causes and risk factors leading to athlete’s foot

• Athlete’s foot is a type of ringworm. It especially grows in humid conditions, and that’s why damp socks and shoes raise the risk of tinea pedis.
• Athlete’s foot is also contagious and can spread when contacting an infected person or contaminated surfaces, like floors, or using the personal things of a patient, like the towels or shoes.
• The risk of athlete’s foot increases if a person wears enclosed shoes most of the time, sweats a lot, or walks barefoot in public areas, like shared bathrooms, and in people with diabetes, obesity, or weak immunity.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot

• Itchiness and burning sensation.
• Skin rash.
• Scaly or cracked skin.
• Skin inflammation that might appear red, purple, or gray.
• Blisters and dry skin.
• Athlete’s foot might cause a bad smell sometimes. If left untreated, athlete’s foot could cause the infection to spread to other areas, like the genitals.

Diagnosis of athlete’s foot

• Physical exam.

Treatment of athlete’s foot

• Antifungal topical medication, and some cases might require oral ones.

Keeping the feet dry and clean.

Prevention of athlete’s foot

• Wear open shoes when possible.
• Wash the feet and between the toes daily and dry them after that.
• Change the socks at least once a day.
• Let the shoes dry for at least a day between uses.
• Don’t walk barefoot in public places.