How To Get Rid Of Foot Fungus Between Toes

Definition
- What Is Athlete's Foot?
Symptoms
- What Are Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?
Causes
- What Causes Athlete's Foot?
Diagnosis
- How Is Athlete's Foot Diagnosed?
Treatment
- What Kills Athlete's Foot?
Prevention
- How Do You Prevent Athlete's Foot?
Guide
- What Fungus Causes Athlete's Foot? Topic Guide

What Is Athlete's Foot?

Human dermatophytes, a species of fungus, cause athlete's foot. You can get it from touching the sores of someone with ringworm, or from the soil or pets.

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a contagious fungal infection caused by a ringworm. Ringworm is not actually a worm. It is so-named because it can cause a ring-shaped, red, itchy rash on the skin.

What Are Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot affects the skin as well as the fingernails and toenails. The symptoms of athlete's foot appear between 4 to 14 days after coming into contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.

Symptoms of athlete's foot include

Ring-shaped rash
Itching
Skin redness
Scaly, cracked skin
Red, swollen, peeling, itchy skin between the toes
Soles, heels, and toenails may also be affected
Skin on the feet may blister in severe cases

What Causes Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is most often caused by human dermatophytes, a type of fungus transmitted by direct contact with human ringworm sores. Ringworm may also be acquired from the soil or through exposure to animals (commonly household pets).

Risk factors for developing athlete's foot include:

People who have a weakened immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS, cancer, chemotherapy, diabetes, or certain medications)
Use of public showers or locker rooms
Athletes involved in contact sports, such as wrestling
Excessive sweating in tight shoes
Close contact with affected animals such as household pets
Working with soil that has ringworm fungus
Living in a warm, humid climate
Close contact with a person who is infected
Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with a person who is infected

How Is Athlete's Foot Diagnosed?

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is often diagnosed with a physical examination of the affected skin.

Tests that may be indicated to diagnose athlete's foot include:

Skin scraping to be examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture
Ultraviolet light
- Can only diagnose two species: Microsporum canis and audouinii

What Kills Athlete's Foot?

Treatment for athlete's foot (tinea pedis) includes:

Over-the-counter antifungal products to kill the athlete's foot fungus
Chronic or extensive tinea pedis may require oral antifungals such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole
Chronic tinea pedis may require foot powder or talcum powder to prevent skin softening

How Do You Prevent Athlete's Foot?

To prevent athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

Do not share clothing, sports equipment, or towels with other people
Always wear slippers or sandals at the gym, local pool, or other public areas (including the shower)
Wash thoroughly with soap after any sport involving skin-to-skin contact
Avoid tight-fitting clothing
Wear a clean pair of socks every day
Put socks on before putting on underwear so the infection does not spread to other parts of the body
Keep the skin clean and dry and always dry off completely after bathing
For pets: if your pet has patches of missing hair or a rash take them to the vet because it could be a sign of a tinea infection

QUESTION

All ___________ have flat feet. See Answer

Reviewed on 8/26/2020

References

Medscape Medical Reference