ATHLETE'S FOOT Main Symptoms Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes May involve the insteps of the feet The rash itches and burns; with scratching, the rash becomes raw and weepy Unpleasant foot odor General Information Athlete's Foot is an infection caused by a fungus that grows best on the warm, damp skin of the foot and toes. It is also referred to as "Tinea Pedis." It is a common malady, with up to 70% of the adult population having it at some point in their lives. There are both topical and oral medications that work well in treating this infection. Most healthy individuals will be able to treat Athlete's Foot effectively using a topical agent. See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If RASH, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN, and rash doesn't match the description of Athlete's Foot (above) WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If You feel weak or very sick Looks infected (redness, swelling, warmth, tender to touch, or red streaks) Fever Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If: You think you need to be seen Pus is draining from the rash Foot is very painful Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If You have other questions or concerns Rash has spread beyond the instep and toes You have diabetes Self Care at Home If Mild Athlete's Foot and you don't think you need to be seen Back to Top HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD ATHLETE'S FOOT Antifungal Cream: Obtain terbinafine (Lamisil AT) antifungal cream (over the counter). Alternatives include either clotrimazole (e.g. Lotrimin AF) or miconazole (e.g. Micatin, Monistat-Derm) antifungal cream (over the counter). Apply this antifungal cream 2 times a day to the affected areas of the feet. Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared. Keep the Feet Clean and Dry: Wash the feet two times every day. Dry the feet completely, especially between the toes. Then apply the cream. Wear clean socks and change them twice daily. Avoid Scratching: Scratching infected feet will delay healing.  Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief. Contagiousness: The condition is not very contagious.  The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin. Adults with Athlete's Foot do not need to miss any school or work.  You can continue to play sports. The socks don't need to be boiled. Expected Course: With proper treatment, Athlete's Foot should decrease substantially within 1 week and disappear within 2 weeks. Call Your Doctor If: Rash looks infected (e.g. spreading redness, streaks, pus) Rash continues to spread after 1 week of treatment Rash has not cleared after 2 weeks of treatment You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms. Back to Top Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP Reviewed 10/1/2005 Revised 10/17/2005 See Other Topics: Rashes, Localized and Cause Unknown View Index of Topics