Athlete's Foot

Is this your symptom?

  • An itchy rash or white patches between the toes
  • Red, sore and flaky patches of skin on the feet
  • Cracked and/or bleeding skin between the toes
  • Skin infection caused by a fungus

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

  • Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes
  • The rash itches and burns
  • With itching, the rash becomes raw and weepy
  • Often also involves the insteps of the feet
  • Unpleasant foot odor
  • Mainly in adults and teens.

Cause of Athlete's Foot

  • A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin

Other health problems from Athlete's Foot

  • Jock Itch. A fungus infection of the groin and inner, upper thighs. Caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. Can be spread by a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
  • Impetigo. A bacterial infection that can start in the cracks between the toes. Causes sores, soft scabs and pus. Needs to be seen by a doctor. Easily spread to other people in the household.
  • Cellulitis. A bacterial infection that spreads into the skin. Causes redness spreading into the back of the foot. The red area is painful to touch. Needs to be seen urgently by a doctor.
  • Lymphangitis. A bacterial infection that spreads in the lymph system. Can look like a red streak that goes up the leg. It is more serious because the infection can get into the bloodstream. This is called sepsis. Needs to be seen urgently by a doctor.

When to Call for Athlete's Foot

When to Call for Athlete's Foot

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Foot is very painful
  • You have a fever and foot looks infected (redness, pus, tender to touch)
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash or redness has spread to the top of the foot
  • Rash is not getting better after 1 week on treatment
  • You have a weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids, diabetes, kidney problems.
  • Rash not gone (clear) after 2 weeks of treatment
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Mild athlete's foot

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Foot is very painful
  • You have a fever and foot looks infected (redness, pus, tender to touch)
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash or redness has spread to the top of the foot
  • Rash is not getting better after 1 week on treatment
  • You have a weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids, diabetes, kidney problems.
  • Rash not gone (clear) after 2 weeks of treatment
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Mild athlete's foot

Care Advice

  1. What You Should Know About Athlete's Foot:
    • Athlete's foot is common in adults and teens.
    • It's caused by a fungus that grows best on warm, damp skin.
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. Anti-Fungal Cream:
    • Use an anti-fungal cream (such as Lotrimin), spray or powder. No prescription is needed.
    • Use 2 times per day.
    • Put it on the rash and 1 inch (25 mm) beyond its borders.
    • Continue using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
  3. Keep the Feet Dry:
    • Rinse the feet 2 times per day.
    • Dry your feet after washing them. Be sure to dry between the toes. Blot them dry rather than rubbing them.
    • Then apply the cream.
    • Do not share towels, socks or shoes with other people.
    • Go barefoot at home or wear sandals as much as possible.
    • Do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty.
    • Wear socks made of man-made fibers. They will keep the feet drier and cooler than cotton. Change them twice daily.
  4. Do Not Scratch:
    • Scratching infected feet will delay the healing. It can spread the fungus to other parts of the body.
    • Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.
  5. Return to Work or School:
    • Athlete's foot is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
    • You do not need to miss any work or school. You can be active and play sports.
    • Your socks can be washed with the normal laundry. They don't need to be boiled.
  6. Jock Itch Prevention:
    • Athlete's foot fungus can spread to the groin area. This is called jock itch.
    • The fungus can be spread by a towel or washcloth.
    • So, after bathing, dry the groin area before the feet.
    • You can also use a different towel for the feet.
    • Do this for at least 7 days after the athlete's foot looks like it is cured.
  7. What to Expect:
    • With proper treatment, athlete's foot goes away within 2 weeks.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • It looks infected
    • Rash is not getting better after 1 week of treatment
    • Rash is not gone (clear skin) after 2 weeks on treatment
    • You think you need to be seen
    • You get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2023 Schmitt Decision Logic, LLC

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