Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet and thrives in the hot, moist conditions found inside shoes. You don't have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot.

Causes

Athletes foot is caused by a fungus that lives on the outer layer of the skin.  The most common fungi (called dermatophytes) are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophytes floccosum.  These are the same dermatophytes responsible for most cases of “jock itch.”

Symptoms

Athlete's foot usually shows up between the toes. Symptoms include redness, scaling, and peeling skin. The affected area may also itch. In some cases the infection spreads to the toenails, causing them to become thick and discolored. Infection in the nails is more common in the elderly, in diabetics and in people with compromised immune systems.

Self-Care

• Wash between the toes and dry thoroughly. Using a hair dryer set on warm can help thoroughly dry the feet and is more effective than just a towel.

• Use powder to help keep the infected area dry. This adds to comfort and may slow infection.

• After drying, apply an antifungal product such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin) or tolnaftate (Tinactin). These are available without prescription (OTC) at most grocery stores, department stores and pharmacies.