What Is Athlete’s Foot?

What Is Athlete's Foot? Tampa FLAthlete’s foot is a rash caused by a fungal infection. The responsible fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, such as locker room floors, shower stalls, bathroom rugs, heated pool decks, and hot tubs, as well as inside shoes and socks. Usually, skin contact alone isn’t enough to cause an infection; rather, the fungi must have an optimal environment and sufficient time to grow. Wearing wet socks, tight shoes, or a bandage for an extended period of time can create favorable conditions for athlete’s foot to develop.

Most often, athlete’s foot affects the spaces between the toes and the soles of the feet. Initially, the skin may appear white and feel soft, then crack, flake, and peel, revealing redness underneath. Sometimes, itchiness or blisters develop. If a toenail is affected, it may become thickened and discolored.

Because athlete’s foot is highly contagious, it should be treated right away. Over-the-counter antifungal creams and powders can be very effective. Also, it is important to keep the feet clean and dry. In most cases, the rash resolves within one to three weeks. For severe or persistent symptoms, it’s best to seek professional medical attention.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Athlete’s foot can often be prevented. Here’s how:

  • Wash your feet with soap and lukewarm water every day, then dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes (use a hairdryer if necessary).
  • Sprinkle talcum powder on your feet to absorb moisture.
  • Wear synthetic socks that wick moisture away from your skin.
  • Change your socks at least once daily, or more often if your feet sweat heavily.
  • Wear sandals or open-toed shoes occasionally to let your feet “air out.”
  • Never go barefoot in public showers or around swimming pools or hot tubs.
  • Wash your socks and towels in hot water.

If you have athlete’s foot that doesn’t respond to self-care, come to South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, FL, where you can see a physician without an appointment (you can check in online if you’d like). After confirming your diagnosis, we may recommend a prescription-strength antifungal medication to destroy the fungus or an antibiotic if you have a bacterial infection that resulted from scratching your skin.