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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Browse health information by category� Videos and slideshowsWatch and learn about your health� Symptom CheckerHelp diagnose common conditions� MyHealthCheck and improve your health� Clinical TrialsApply for a trial near you� Decision AidsHelp choosing the right treatment� Medicines A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Browse clinical guidelines� PatientPro CompleteCreate a reflective diary, track the pages you read and get ads free experience� Medical Calculators� Articles for medical students� New leaflets and updates� Decision Aids� Forums� Directory� Blogs� Patient Access On this page� Who gets athlete's foot and how do you get it?� What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?� Is athlete's foot serious?� What is the treatment for athlete's foot?� The following tips may prevent athlete's foot recurring� References Athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus.

Treatment with an antifungal cream usually works well. The tips given below may help to prevent athlete's foot coming back after it has been treated. Who gets athlete's foot and how do you get it?Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It is very common - up to one in four people have athlete's foot. Fungal germs (fungi) often occur in small numbers on human skin where they usually do no harm.

However, if conditions are right they can invade the skin, multiply, and cause infection. The conditions fungi like best are warm, moist and airless areas of skin, such as between the toes.Anyone can get athlete's foot. It is more common in people who sweat more, or who wear shoes and socks which make their feet more sweaty. Athlete's foot can also be passed on from person to person. For example, this may occur in communal showers used by athletes or swimmers.

A tiny flake of infected skin from a person with athlete's foot can fall off whilst showering. It may then be trodden on by others who may then develop the infection. Once a small patch of infection develops, it typically spreads along the skin. What are the symptoms of athlete's foot? The skin between the little toes tends to be affected at first. A rash develops that becomes itchy and scaly. The skin may become cracked and sore. Large splits (fissures) in the skin between the toes can develop, which can be very painful.

Tiny flakes of infected skin may fall off. The rash may spread gradually along the toes if left untreated. In some cases it spreads to the soles.

Occasionally, the infection causes a scaling rash on the entire sole and side of the foot. In other cases it causes more of a blistering rash on part of the sole of the foot. 0replies� Start a discussionIs athlete's foot serious?Usually not.

Most people treat their itchy toes before it spreads. Sometimes the infection spreads to the skin on other parts of the body. These are usually the moist and airless parts of the skin such as the groin.

Fungi do not usually spread deeper than the skin. However, other germs (bacteria) may enter through the cracked skin of untreated athlete's foot. This can occasionally cause more serious infections of the foot or leg.The infection sometimes spreads to a nail. This can be treated.

However, it takes several weeks of antifungal tablets to clear the infection from a nail. Therefore, it is best to treat athlete's foot as soon as symptoms start. � Feet - getting to the root of the problem� Read more blog postsWhat is the treatment for athlete's foot?You can buy a topical antifungal treatment from pharmacies, or get one on prescription.

Topical means it is applied directly to the area affected, ie the skin of the feet. There are various types and brands - for example: terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole and miconazole.

They are usually creams, but can also be sprays, liquids or powders. These treatments are all good at clearing fungal skin infections. There is no evidence that one is better than another. For children clotrimazole, econazole or miconazole should be used. Other options are undecenoic acid (Mycota�) or tolnaftate, which is available over the counter only.Apply for as long as advised.

This varies between the different treatments, so read the instructions carefully. Although the rash may seem to go quite quickly, you may need to apply the treatment for 1-2 weeks after the rash has gone. This is to clear the fungi completely from the skin, which will prevent the rash from returning.� Clotrimazole: apply 2-3 times a day for at least four weeks.� Miconazole: apply twice a day, and continue for 10 days after the skin is back to normal.� Econazole: apply twice a day until the skin is back to normal.� Ketoconazole.

apply twice a day for seven days. Continue for a further few days if more severe. Not suitable for children.� Terbinafine: apply once or twice a day for seven days. Not suitable for children.� Undecenoic acid: apply twice a day and continue for a week after the skin is back to normal.For sk� Hundreds of conditions explained� Arthritis information� Asthma information� Back pain information� Stress, anxiety, depression information� Breast cancer information� Pregnancy and baby information� Diabetes information� Dementia information� Heart disease information� Measles information� NHS Health Check information� Vaccinations information� Common health questions� All A-Z topics� Live Well � Over 100 topics on healthy living� Alcohol articles� Couch to 5K articles� Teeth and dentistry articles� Fitness articles� The flu jab articles� Healthy eating articles� Lose weight articles� Mental health articles� Pain articles� Sexual health articles� Sleep articles� Stop smoking articles� Tiredness articles� Health check tools� All Live Well topics� Care and support � Your essential guide to social care� About social care� Choosing care services� Social care assessments� NHS continuing care� Mental capacity� Home care� Care homes� Breaks from caring� Carers� rights� Young carers� All care and support topics� Health news � Health news stories unspun� Diet and nutrition news reports� Obesity and weight loss news reports� Neurology and dementia news reports� Lifestyle and environment news reports� Pregnancy and children news reports� Cancer news reports� Drugs and vaccines news reports� Heart and lungs news reports� Medical practice news reports� Older people and ageing news reports� Genetics and stem cells news reports� Mental health news reports� Diabetes news reports� Topical questions and answers� Special reports� All Behind the Headlines news� Services near you �Services explainedSee what the NHS offersChoose the right service� A&E search� Hospitals search� GPs search� Dentists search� Pharmacies search� Homecare and care homes search� Maternity search� Depression search� Alcohol search� Sexual health search� Consultants search� Stop smoking services� Urgent care services� All directories IntroductionAthlete's foot is a rash caused by a fungus that usually appears between the toes.The affected skin may be itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked or blistered.

It's not usually serious, but should be treated to stop it spreading to other parts of the body or other people.Treatment usually involves pharmacy-bought creams, sprays or liquids and good foot hygiene.The medical name for athlete's foot is tinea pedis. Signs and symptoms of athlete's footAthlete's foot�most commonly�affects the skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet.Affected areas of skin may be: dry, red, scaly and flaky� white, soggy and cracked� itchy� sore� covered in small blistersThe infection can spread around your foot and to your toenails�� read more about fungal nail infections.

Scratching the infected skin and then touching other parts of your body can also spread the infection.In severe cases, skin damaged by athlete's foot can become infected with bacteria. This can�lead to cellulitis, which causes the skin to become red, hot and swollen. How do you get athlete's foot?Athlete's foot is caused by fungi growing and multiplying on the skin. The fungi that cause the infection thrive in�warm, dark and moist places like feet.You're more likely to get athlete's foot if you:� don't keep your feet clean and dry� wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty� walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms� share�towels, socks and shoes with other people� have a weakened immune system� have certain other health conditions, such as diabetesAthlete's foot can easily spread to other people�by touching infected�skin or coming into contact with contaminated�surfaces or objects.

Treatments for athlete's footAthlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own. It can usually be treated using antifungal treatments available from pharmacies without needing to see a GP.Antifungal treatments work by stopping the fungus causing your athlete's foot from�growing.

They come in creams, sprays, liquids and powders, and are used in the following way:� treatment should be applied directly to the affected skin and surrounding area� wash and dry the affected skin before applying the treatment, and clean your hands afterwards� continue treatment after the rash has cleared, as described in the leaflet that comes with your medicine, to make sure all the fungus has goneAntifungal treatments are similarly effective, although some work faster than others.

A pharmacist can recommend an antifungal medicine that's safe for you to use. Not all types are suitable for children, older people, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.If your rash is very sore and itchy, a pharmacist may recommend using a mild steroid cream to ease any discomfort, but this should only be used for a short period and in combination with antifungal treatment.Contact your GP if your athlete's foot doesn't start to improve after a week of treatment, or if it's causing significant pain or discomfort.

Your GP may take a small � Athlete's Foot Topic Overview� What Causes Athlete's Foot� What Are the Symptoms of Athlete's Foot� What Happens When You Have Athlete's Foot� What Increases Your Risk of Athlete's Foot� When To Call a Doctor� Athlete's Foot Exams and Tests� Athlete's Foot Treatment Overview� Prevention� Home Treatment� Medications� Other Treatment� Other Places To Get Help� Related Information� References� CreditsSymptomsAthlete's foot (tinea pedis) symptoms vary from person to person.

Although some people have severe discomfort, others have few or no symptoms. Common symptoms include:� Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet.� Redness, blisters, or softening and breaking down (maceration) of the skin.� Itching, burning, or both.Toe web infectionToe web infection (interdigital) is the most common type of athlete's foot.

It usually occurs between the two smallest toes. This type of infection:� Often begins with skin that seems soft and moist and pale white.� May cause itching, burning, and a slight odor.� May get worse. The skin between the toes becomes scaly, peels, and cracks. If the infection becomes severe, a bacterial infection is usually present, which causes further skin breakdown and a foul odor.Moccasin-type infectionA moccasin-type infection is a long-lasting (chronic) infection.

This type of infection:� May begin with minor irritation, dryness, itching, burning, or scaly skin.� Progresses to thickened, scaling, cracked, and peeling skin on the sole or heel. In severe cases, the toenails become infected and can thicken, crumble, and even fall out. For more information, see the topic Fungal Nail Infections.� May appear on the palm of the hand (symptoms commonly affect one hand and both feet).Vesicular infectionA vesicular infection is the least common type of infection.

This type:� Usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin. The blisters most often develop on the skin of the instep but may also develop between the toes, on the heel, or on the sole or top of the foot.� Sometimes occurs again after the first infection.

Infections may occur in the same area or in another area such as the arms, chest, or fingers. You may have scaly skin between eruptions.� May also be accompanied by a bacterial infection.Athlete's foot is sometimes confused with pitted keratolysis. In this health problem, the skin looks like a "moist honeycomb." It most often occurs where the foot carries weight, such as on the heel and the ball of the foot.

Symptoms include feet that are very sweaty and smell bad. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.To learn more visit Healthwise.org� 1995-2014 Healthwise, Incorporated.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthy Resources� Assess Your MS Symptoms� Talking to Your Doctor About PAH� Diaper Rash: When to Call a Doctor.Featured Centers� Feeling Short of Breath?� What Radiation Can Do For Cancer� Top 3 Anaphylaxis TriggersHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors� Frequent Constipation?� Knee Treatment Plan � Knee Pain Management� Therapy at Home?� Lung Cancer Treatment� Breast Cancer Advances� IBS-C Symptoms?� Facts About Skin Cancer� Osteoarthritis Knee Pain� Colon Cancer Treatments� Diagnosed with Cancer?� Ringing in Ears� Treating Hepatitis C� Aortic Valve Stenosis?� Knees & Exercise� Expert Orthopedic Care� Valve Stenosis Caregiver? First Aid & Emergencies | Topics A-Z | Picture Slideshows | Medications | Image Gallery | eTools | Medical Dictionary DefinitionsAbout Us | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertising Policy | Site Map | Contact UsWebMD | Medscape Reference | Medscape | MedicineNet | RxList | BootsWebMD | Medscape France | Medscape Germany � Assisted Living� Independent Living� Senior Living� Assisted Living� Independent Living� Alzheimers & Memory Care� Continuing Care Retirement Communities� Nursing Homes� Need Assistance?� Health Conditions� In-Home Care� Non-Medical Home Care� Home Health Agencies� Hospices� Adult Day care� Caregiving� Support Groups Jane Andersen, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

She provides surgical and nonsurgical foot and ankle care to all types of patients, including the geriatric population in her area. With the American Podiatric Medical Association, she has worked to educate the public on foot and ankle health. Often times, skin cracks or breaks between the toes are caused by a fungal infection known as athlete's foot.

It can cause itching and burning as well.This type of skin infection should be treated with topical antifungal medication. There are several good over the counter products like Lamisil and Lotrimin. Liquids or gels should be used between the toes, not creams or ointments which create too much moisture.If you have any doubts, if the infection is not resolving, or if there is any redness or swelling, you should see your local podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Prescription medication may be needed.Community Answers My athletes foot infection kept recurring, I would clear it with anti fungal creams and powders but the skin would soon crack again.I ended the cycle, having managed to heal the splits I applied surgical spirit twice daily after washing and thoroughly drying the feet.

Just a little spirit on a tuft of cotton wool, after 3 weeks the skin had toughened and no longer tended to crack. Memory Care in Fresno Memory and Alzheimers's Care in Pikesville, MD Assisted Living in Olympia Assisted Living in San Marcos Assisted Living in Scottsboro, AL Find Memory and Alzheimer's Care Near You Find Assisted Living Near You Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services. The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. � Copyright 2007-2016 Caring, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fill out our easy online form to get started, today!You can also call (866) 824-9209 to get started.With more than 2 million unique visitors every month, Caring.com is the leading destination for caregivers online. � Assisted Living� Independent Living� Senior Living� Assisted Living� Independent Living� Alzheimers & Memory Care� Continuing Care Retirement Communities� Nursing Homes� Need Assistance?� Health Conditions� In-Home Care� Non-Medical Home Care� Home Health Agencies� Hospices� Adult Day care� Caregiving� Support Groups Jane Andersen, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

She provides surgical and nonsurgical foot and ankle care to all types of patients, including the geriatric population in her area. With the American Podiatric Medical Association, she has worked to educate the public on foot and ankle health. Often times, skin cracks or breaks between the toes are caused by a fungal infection known as athlete's foot.

It can cause itching and burning as well.This type of skin infection should be treated with topical antifungal medication. There are several good over the counter products like Lamisil and Lotrimin.

Liquids or gels should be used between the toes, not creams or ointments which create too much moisture.If you have any doubts, if the infection is not resolving, or if there is any redness or swelling, you should see your local podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Prescription medication may be needed.Community Answers My athletes foot infection kept recurring, I would clear it what causes skin cracking between toes anti fungal creams and powders but the skin would soon crack again.I ended the cycle, having managed to heal the splits I applied surgical spirit twice daily after washing and thoroughly drying the feet.

Just a little spirit on a tuft of cotton wool, after 3 weeks the skin had toughened and no longer tended to crack. Memory Care in Fresno Memory and Alzheimers's Care in Pikesville, MD Assisted Living in Olympia Assisted Living in San Marcos Assisted Living in Scottsboro, AL Find Memory and Alzheimer's Care Near You Find Assisted Living Near You Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services. The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. � Copyright 2007-2016 Caring, Inc.

All Rights Reserved. Fill out our easy online form to get started, today!You can also call (866) 824-9209 to get started.With more than 2 million unique visitors every month, Caring.com is the leading destination for caregivers online. Common Conditions� ADD/ADHD� Allergies� Arthritis� Cancer� Cold, Flu & Cough� Depression� Diabetes� Eye Health� Heart Disease� Heartburn/GERD� What causes skin cracking between toes Management� Sexual Conditions� Skin Problems� Sleep Disorders� View All Health News� Things We Don't Know About Zika� Bad Weather Could Affect Your Health� Atrial Fibrillation Tied to Many Health Problems� Tattoo Ink May Be Unsafe� Video: Rates of Hearing Loss Increasing In this Article In this Article In this Article� Athlete's Foot� What Causes Athlete's Foot?� What Are the Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?� Types of Athlete's Foot� How Is Athlete's Foot Diagnosed?� How Is Athlete's Foot Treated?� How Is Athlete's Foot Prevented?� Jock Itch� Is Jock Itch Contagious?� What Are the Symptoms of Jock Itch?� How Is Jock Itch Diagnosed?� How Is Jock Itch Treated?� Ringworm� Is Ringworm Contagious?� What Are the Symptoms of Ringworm?� How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?� How Is Ringworm Treated?� Yeast Infections� What Are the Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?� How Are Yeast Infections Diagnosed?� How Are Yeast Infections Treated? Fungal infections of the skin are very common and include athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

Athlete's FootAthlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot. It causes peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores.Athlete's foot is a very common infection. The fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and the floors of public showers. It is most common in the summer and in warm, humid climates.

It occurs more often in people who wear tight shoes and who use community baths and pools. What Causes Athlete's Foot?Athlete's foot is caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layers.

There are at least four kinds of fungus that can cause athlete's foot. The most common of these fungi is trichophyton rubrum. What Are the Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot vary from person to person. However, common symptoms include:� Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet� Redness, blisters, or softening and breaking down of the skin� Itching, burning, or bothTypes of Athlete's Foot� Interdigital: Also called toe web infection, this is the most common kind of athlete's foot.

It usually occurs between the two smallest toes. This form of athlete's foot can cause itching, burning, and scaling and the infection can spread to the sole of the foot.� Moccasin: A moccasin-type infection of athlete's foot can begin with a minor irritation, dryness, itching, or scaly skin.

As it develops, the skin may thicken and crack. This infection can involve the entire sole of the foot and extend onto the sides of the foot.� Vesicular: This is the least common kind of athlete's foot. The condition usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Most often, the blisters develop on the underside of the foot. However, they also can appear between the toes, on the heel, or on the top of the foot.How Is Athlete's Foot Diagnosed?Not all itchy, scaly feet have athlete's foot.

The best way to diagnose the infection is to have your doctor scrape the skin and examine the scales under a microscope for evidence of fungus. Continued How Is Athlete's Foot Treated?Athlete's foot is treated with topical antifungal medication (a drug placed directly on the skin) in most cases. Severe cases may require oral drugs (those taken by mouth). The feet must be kept clean and dry since the fungus thrives in moist environments.

How Is Athlete's Foot Prevented?Steps to prevent athlete's foot include wearing shower sandals in public showering areas, wearing shoes that allow the feet to breathe, and daily washing of the feet with soap and water. Drying the feet thoroughly and using a quality foot powder can also help prevent athlete's foot.

Jock ItchJock itch, also called tinea cruris, is a common skin infection that is caused by a type of fungus called tinea. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas of the body and as a result, infection can affect the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections occur more frequently in the summer or in warm, wet climates.Jock itch appears as a red, itchy rash that is often ring-shaped.

Is Jock Itch Contagious?Jock itch is only mildly contagious. The condition can be spread from person to person through direct contact or indirectly from objects carrying the fungus. What Are the Symptoms of Jock Itch?Symptoms of jock itch include:� Itching, chafing, or burning in the groin or thigh� A circular, red, raised rash with elevated edges� Redness in the groin or thigh� Flaking, peeling, or cracking skinHow Is Jock Itch Diagnosed?In most cases, jock itch can be diagnosed based on the appearance and location of the rash.

If you are not certain that the condition is jock itch, contact your doctor. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and wilCommon Conditions� ADD/ADHD� Allergies� Arthritis� Cancer� Cold, Flu & Cough� Depression� Diabetes� Eye Health� Heart Disease� Heartburn/GERD� Pain Management� Sexual Conditions� Skin Problems� Sleep Disorders� View All Health News� Things We Don't Know About Zika� Bad Weather Could Affect Your Health� Atrial Fibrillation Tied to Many Health Problems� Tattoo Ink May Be Unsafe� Video: Rates of Hearing Loss Increasing Athlete's Foot� Topic Overview� Cause� Symptoms� What Happens� What Increases Your Risk� When To Call a Doctor� Exams and Tests� Treatment Overview� Prevention� Home Treatment� Medications� Other Treatment� Other Places To Get Help� Related Information� References� Credits Athlete's Foot Athlete's Foot Athlete's Foot� Topic Overview� Cause� Symptoms� What Happens� What Increases Your Risk� When To Call a Doctor� Exams and Tests� Treatment Overview� Prevention� Home Treatment� Medications� Other Treatment� Other Places To Get Help� Related Information� References� Credits Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) symptoms vary from person to person.

Although some people have severe discomfort, others have few or no symptoms. Common symptoms include:� Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet.� Redness, blisters, or softening and breaking down (maceration) of the skin.� Itching, burning, or both.Toe web infectionToe web infection (interdigital) is the most common type of athlete's foot.

It usually occurs between the two smallest toes. This type of infection:� Often begins with skin that seems soft and moist and pale white.� May cause itching, burning, and a slight odor.� May get worse. The skin between the toes becomes scaly, peels, and cracks. If the infection becomes severe, a bacterial infection is usually present, which causes further skin breakdown and a foul odor.Moccasin-type infectionA moccasin-type infection is a long-lasting (chronic) infection.

This type of infection:� May begin with minor irritation, dryness, itching, burning, or scaly skin.� Progresses to thickened, scaling, cracked, and peeling skin on the sole or heel. In severe cases, the toenails become infected and can thicken, crumble, and even fall out.

For more information, see the topic Fungal Nail Infections.� May appear on the palm of the hand (symptoms commonly affect one hand and both feet).Vesicular infectionA vesicular infection is the least common type of infection. This type:� Usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin.

The blisters most often develop on the skin of the instep but may also develop between the toes, on the heel, or on the sole or top of the foot.� Sometimes occurs again after the first infection. Infections may occur in the same area or in another area such as the arms, chest, or fingers. You may have scaly skin between eruptions.� May also be accompanied by a bacterial infection.Athlete's foot is sometimes confused with pitted keratolysis.

In this health problem, the skin looks like a "moist honeycomb." It most often occurs where the foot carries weight, such as on the heel and the ball of the foot. Symptoms include feet that are very sweaty and smell bad. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on thisinformation.� 1995-2015 Healthwise, Incorporated.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Next Article What Happens Top Picks� What causes skin cracking between toes Allergies? Don't Forget This Essential Item� Myths and Facts About Teen Acne� Is Breastfeeding a No-No For Babies With Eczema?� Is Your Eczema Mild or Severe? Get The Answer� Where On Your Body Is Your Psoriasis?

See Our New Tool� At What Age Can I Introduce My Baby To Solid Foods?further reading� Picture of Athlete's Foot� Feet (Human Anatomy): Bones, Tendons, Ligaments, and More� Athlete's Foot-Topic Overview� Athlete's Foot-Home Treatment� Athlete's Foot-Other Places To Get Help� Athlete's Foot-What Increases Your Risk� Athlete's Foot-Medications� Athlete's Foot Topics Health Solutions� Knee Pain Management� Therapy at Home?� Lung Cancer Treatment� Breast Cancer Advances� IBS-C Symptoms?� Facts About Skin Cancer� Osteoarthritis Knee Pain� Colon Cancer Treatments� Diagnosed with Cancer?� Ringing in Ears� Treating Hepatitis C� Aortic Valve Stenosis?� Knees & Exercise� Expert Orthopedic Care� Valve Stenosis Caregiver? More from WebMD� Knee Pain Assessment� Control Your Blood Sugar� Psoriasis� MS Assessment� Anaphylaxis� ADHD in Children� Diabetes Diet� Hodgkin's Lymphoma� Multiple Myeloma� Hearing Loss: Its Causes and Treatment� Toenail Fungus� Living With Alzheimer's� COPD� Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials� Diabetes Assessment� Live Better With Diabetes� Atrial Fibrillation Assessment� Treating Advanced Prostate Cancer �� Visit WebMD on Facebook� Visit WebMD on Twitter� Visit WebMD on Pinterest� Policy� Privacy Policy� Terms of Use� Contact UThe FactsAthlete's foot, known as dermatophytosis of the foot or tinea pedis ("foot fungus"), is a common skin infection that affects the feet.

You don't have to be an "athlete" to get it.In North America, 1 in 10 people have athlete's foot. Men tend to be affected more than women, adults more than children. In about 50% of people with athlete's foot, the condition recurs because the fungus spores survive in skin cracks between the toes.There are three types of athlete's foot: moccasin-type, vesicular or blistered, and interdigital or ulcerative. Take the Quiz CausesAthlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection.

The fungi that infect human feet live on the skin, specifically on skin proteins called keratin. These fungi thrive in hot, tropical climates and are recent imports to North America and Europe, brought in by travellers. Wearing tight, non-breathing footwear allows the fungi to flourish and cause athlete's foot.

The fungal organisms easily spread from one person to another in moist places where people walk barefoot, such as gym locker rooms and swimming pools. Cuts or blisters on the feet make it easier for these organisms to cause an infection.Vesicular or blistered athlete's foot is believed to be due to an allergic reaction to fungal organisms, causing blisters to form.

Ulcerative tinea pedis occurs in severe cases and can affect large areas, and there's usually a secondary bacterial infection on top of the fungal infection. Learn More Symptoms and ComplicationsAthlete's foot usually forms between the fourth and fifth (smallest) toes or third and fourth toes, producing skin cracking, white and soggy toes, scaling, and itchiness.

The infection can spread to the soles of the feet. It's made worse by sweaty feet and wearing tight socks or shoes that stay in moisture. If a bacterial infection sets in on top of it, the skin will ooze, burn, and smell.Moccasin-type athlete's foot doesn't cause itching or inflammation.

The entire sole and heel become dry and flaky with loose, white scales that appear in a moccasin-like pattern. Sometimes the toenails can also become infected, which makes it more difficult to treat.People with vesicular or blistered athlete's foot suffer from sore, fluid-filled blisters that occur between the toes and on the arch and sides of the foot. These blisters form in response to an allergic reaction to the fungi causing the athlete's foot.Interdigital tinea pedis is the most common type and presents as maceration (softened tissue caused by soaking) and scales in the web spaces between the toes.

Ulceration develops when a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Symptoms include painful ulcers between the toes, which often take a long time to heal.Tinea pedis can lead to foot or leg infections ( cellulitis).

This can be particularly worrisome in people who have diabetes or chronic vascular diseases. Let's Get Started Making the DiagnosisBy examining the feet for scaling, itchiness, and strong foot odour, doctors can easily diagnose athlete's foot.

Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and exclude other possible skin conditions such as eczema, ringworm, and psoriasis by taking a scraping of lesions from the feet and sending it to the lab for testing.

Treatment and PreventionAthlete's foot that's soggy, inflamed, and foul-smelling requires quick medical attention. If the foot is inflamed and your doctor has confirmed that there's a bacterial infection, the infection and inflammation must first be treated before antifungals are used.Topical antifungals (creams, solutions, gel, and lotions), either over-the-counter or prescription, are usually effective for uncomplicated cases of athlete's foot.

When these topical agents don't work, antifungal pills are often prescribed. Some medications used to treat athlete's foot contain both an antifungal and antibacterial ingredient to help speed up healing. In addition, special aluminum acetate wet dressings may be helpful when applied to vesiculated or macerated lesions.

Shoes may also be treated with antifungal powders.A foot condition that doesn't clear up after appropriate treatment may not be due to a fungal or bacterial infection.

The symptoms may be caused by some other type of skin disease. That's why it's important to see your doctor to confirm the presence of athlete's foot.The best way to prevent athlete's foot is with good hygiene.

This means keeping the feet cool and dry. After a bath or shower, it's important to thoroughly dry between your toes. Here are some practical tips to keep your feet happy and healthy:� Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool.� Whenever possible, take off your shoes to "air out" your feet.� Clean your feet daily with soap and water.� Always dry well between your toes.� Use an absorbent powder such as talcum powder or aluminum chloride powder.� Wear absorbent socks (e.g., made out of cotton or wool).� Avoid tight-fitting footwear, since sweaty feet provide ideal conditions for fungal growth.� Change your socks afte