Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the space between your toes. It appears as blisters or peeling and cracked skin. Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi and it can spread from person to person through sharing of shoes, socks and sometimes through bathroom floors. You can treat athlete’s foot yourself. However, if you have diabetes or HIV speak to your healthcare provider first.

If you have an athlete’s foot, you may:

• Notice a scaly rash that appears red on your feet or between your toes. The rash may itch, especially when you take off your shoes.
• Have blisters on your feet or the skin on your feet is peeling. The skin between your toes may crack, which can be painful.
• Have dry soles, sometimes with cracks in your soles.
• Notice that your toenails appear discoloured (yellow or brownish) and become thick and brittle.

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus (Trichophyton) found on floors and contaminated surfaces. Wearing wet socks, shoes and staying in a warm, humid condition promote its growth. You can get it by sharing contaminated towels, shoes, socks, swimming wear or by direct contact with an infected person.

You are at risk of developing an athlete’s foot if:

• You share socks or shoes with someone who has athlete’s foot.
• You frequently wear wet socks or tight shoes, which may damage your toenails.
• You often walk barefooted around swimming pools or shared bathrooms where the fungus thrives.
• Have sweaty or smelly feet.

See the doctor if:

• You have athlete’s foot and you have a disease that affects your immune system, like diabetes or HIV. These diseases put you are at risk of developing more serious conditions.
• Your athlete’s foot has spread to your hands and will not go away after using over-the-counter anti-fungal medication.

• Do not share socks and shoes with anyone.
• Keep your feet dry, especially in between your toes.
• Airdry shoes and wash socks frequently.
• It would be best if you did not walk bare feet in public baths or swimming pools.

Self-Care Tips:

• Wash your socks and dry your shoes in the sun regularly to prevent harmful organisms from growing in them.
• Dry your feet and wear shoes that are made of materials that allow air to circulate in them (e.g. canvas and leather).
• Do not share your socks and shoes (especially sport shoes since you are likely to sweat in them) with others to minimise the risk of infecting others or getting infected.
• Wash your feet with soap and water after you use a public swimming pool.
• You can purchase antifungal medications over-the-counter (OTC) such as miconazole or clotrimazole powders and creams at a pharmacy. Wash your feet and pat them dry with a clean towel before applying the products to them.

Medical Treatment:

Athlete’s foot should clear up with proper self-care and the use of OTC treatment. If it does not:

• Your doctor may order a skin test to check for the organism causing the infection for more specific treatment.
• Your doctor may also prescribe higher-strength antifungals like fluconazole or itraconazole for you to help treat the infection. These can be taken as pills or as creams or powder for applying to your toes.
• Your healthcare provider can recommend prescription antifungal creams containing corticosteroids to treat severe itching.

If you do not have immune system problems, athlete’s foot disease should go away with home treatment. If you have diseases that weaken your immune system, like diabetes or HIV, you should seek medical help immediately.

In some people, athlete's foot disease may reoccur over time. Continue to maintain feet hygiene as this is the best way to prevent the infection.