A Fungus to Avoid: Athlete's Foot

The fungal infection known as athlete's foot loves moist and warm places. If it's not treated, it will not go away, and could end up on other parts of your body.

Red, cracked, itchy feet? Wondering what it is and where it came from? Most likely, the condition is tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot.

Athlete's Foot: What Is It?

"Athlete's foot is a fungal infection caused by a dermatophyte, which is a type of fungus," says Alan K. Mauser, DPM, a podiatrist in private practice in Louisville, Ky. "The fungus is [everywhere], and some people are more susceptible to it than others. It likes warm, dark, moist environments like in a shoe and in between the toes."

Athlete's Foot: What Does It Look Like?

Athlete's foot is easy to spot, if you know what symptoms to look for between your toes.

"The symptoms are usually a white, scaly rash with a red base to it. It is found on the soles of the feet and in between the toes," says Dr. Mauser. "Usually people experience a hot, burning type of foot that itches. Sometimes it can be that little blisters can form or pustules can form.”

Athlete's foot, besides being itchy, can cause the skin to peel and crack between the toes. The feet also tend to be very dry, scaly, and may feel like they sting. Athlete's foot symptoms even affect the toenails, and they may start to crumble and change color.

And athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of your body, including your heels and palms, even your underarms and groin, if you scratch your feet and then touch those body parts.

Athlete's Foot: Who Gets It

"Just about anybody can get it. It is more common in people who exhibit sweating of the feet or athletes whose feet tend to sweat more," says Mauser. Men seem to be more likely to develop athlete's foot than women, as are people who have compromised immune systems due to illness or medication.

Wearing sweat-soaked socks or shoes that are too tight can make your feet more susceptible to athlete's foot. People who spend a lot of time in public areas where the fungus is likely to grow are also more likely to pick up athlete's foot, and should be careful to protect their feet.

Athlete’s Foot: How You Get It

The fungus that causes athlete's foot can be picked up:

• From another person who has the fungus. If you come into contact with the skin of another person who has athlete's foot, you can contract the infection.
• From a pet. Fido or Fluffy can carry the fungus on its fur — missing fur could indicate the infection on them — and petting a contaminated animal can cause athlete's foot in humans.
• From the floor, a towel, or shoes, even sheets. The fungus can be passed from an object to a person, and often is. The athlete's foot fungus is often found on the floor of public bathrooms and locker rooms, and shower floors. Because the fungus can live for a long time, your partner can catch it in the bedsheets.

Athlete's Foot: Diagnosing the Problem

If you suspect athlete's foot, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal cream or spray to beat the infection. If your feet continue to itch and burn, it's time to see a podiatrist to diagnose and treat the condition. If you have a fever or swelling, or if your feet become extremely red, you should have your doctor examine your feet — especially if you have diabetes.

To diagnose athlete's foot, a podiatrist will examine your feet and ask about your symptoms, as well as about places you’ve been where it was likely that you picked up the fungus. A small sample of skin from your feet may be examined under a microscope to confirm that a fungus is causing the symptoms. Then, the podiatrist can prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications to treat the infection.

Be careful when in public places where the fungus is likely to lurk — always wear shoes, and stay away from anyone you know who has athlete's foot. And if your feet don't stop itching, cover them in antifungal cream and keep them clean and dry.