Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a condition which most often affects athletes due to wearing tight shoes or sweating. However, this fungal infection can affect many people. If you experience athlete’s foot symptoms, you can find relief at one of Silver Falls Dermatology’s many locations in Oregon and Washington. 

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a common name for a contagious fungal infection known as tinea pedis. As the name implies, this infection most commonly affects the feet, but can spread to the nails or hands as well. 

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms 

Athlete’s foot symptoms typically affect the areas between the toes or the soles of the feet but can be seen or felt in other areas as well. Some common athlete’s foot symptoms include:

• Itching, stinging or burning
• Blisters
• Cracking or peeling of the skin 
• Dryness
• Discoloration, thickening or crumbling of the nails
• Separation of the nails from the nail bed

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by the tinea fungus growing on the skin. This fungus spreads through contact with an infected person or an object or surface they have touched. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm and moist environments. For this reason, it is more easily spread in areas with warm, humid climates or public spaces such as locker rooms, swimming pools or shared showers. 

Athlete’s Foot Treatment Options 

Athlete’s foot may be treated with either over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications, depending on the severity of the infections or success of previous treatments. Some options include:

• Miconazole (Desenex)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
• Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
• Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
• Topical clotrimazole
• Topical miconazole
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)

In addition to these antifungal medications, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent bacterial infections, as these can be more common due to blisters caused by Athlete’s foot. Finally, your provider may recommend soaking the affected areas in salt water or diluted vinegar to help dry blisters as you take your antifungal medications. This can help reduce symptoms as you recover.