Community Health Network

Athlete's Foot
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Athletes Foot between Toes

Athlete's Foot

Definition

Fungus infection of the feet
Causes itchy rash on the feet and between the toes

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.

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

If not, see these topics

RASH, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN, and rash doesn't match the description of Athlete's Foot (above)

Should I
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Care at
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When to Call Your Doctor

	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

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE

General Care Advice for Athletes Foot

Antifungal Cream. Apply the 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.
- Available over-the-counter in U.S. as terbinafine (Lamisil AT) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm).
- Available over-the-counter in Canada as clotrimazole (Clotrimazole cream, Canesten, Clotrimaderm) or miconazole (Micatin Cream, Micozole, Monistat-Derm).
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) is most recommended, but is not available in Canada.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you use.
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

Prevention

Avoid Being Barefoot in Public Areas (e.g., showers, bathrooms, swimming pools). You can get athlete's foot from walking barefoot in these areas. Wear sandals.
Keep the Feet Clean and Dry:
- Wash your feet with warm soapy water once a day. Rinse the feet and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Wear clean cotton socks and change daily.

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

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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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 4/5/2008

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online