Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. It frequently begins between the toes but can spread to other areas. Fungi responsible for athlete’s foot thrive in warm, moist environments, making certain conditions conducive to its development.
Transmission in Shared Spaces
Athlete’s foot is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which are organisms that feed on keratin found in skin, hair, and nails. These fungi flourish in warm, damp places like public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Dermatophytes can survive on various surfaces, especially wet ones where people walk barefoot, making direct contact a primary mode of transmission. They are found in swimming facilities even after disinfection, highlighting their persistence. The fungi can be picked up when bare feet come into contact with these contaminated surfaces, potentially leading to an infection if the skin is compromised or remains moist.
Recognizing Athlete’s Foot
Identifying athlete’s foot involves recognizing its common signs and symptoms. Individuals often experience itching, stinging, or burning sensations, particularly after removing shoes and socks. The skin may show redness, scaling, flaking, or peeling, most frequently between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Blisters can also form, which may be painful. The fungal infection can extend to the toenails, causing discoloration and thickening, or to the hands.
Preventing Infection
Preventing athlete’s foot involves minimizing exposure to fungi and maintaining foot hygiene, especially in high-risk environments. Wearing waterproof sandals or flip-flops in public showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools creates a barrier against contaminated surfaces.
Keeping feet clean and thoroughly dry is important, paying particular attention to the spaces between the toes after showering or swimming. Regularly changing socks helps prevent moisture buildup that favors fungal growth.
Selecting breathable footwear allows for better air circulation around the feet. Avoiding the sharing of shoes or towels also helps prevent the spread of the infection.
Addressing an Existing Infection
If athlete’s foot develops, various treatment options are available. Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products, including creams, sprays, powders, and ointments, are often effective as a first line of treatment.
Apply these medications according to package directions and continue use for about a week even after symptoms subside to help prevent recurrence. If symptoms do not improve after one to two weeks of OTC treatment, or if the infection is severe, persistent, or recurring, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
A doctor may prescribe stronger topical creams or oral antifungal medications for more widespread or resistant cases. Seeking medical attention is important if complications arise, such as blisters, open sores, or signs of a bacterial infection like swelling, pus, or fever, or if an individual has underlying conditions like diabetes.