Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of athlete's foot

Treatment of athlete's foot generally comprises over-the-counter anti-fungal products and basic good hygiene. However, the condition can be pretty stubborn and difficult to get rid of.

The best treatment for athlete's foot is to prevent further fungal growth, as that's what causes the infection in the first place. It can take weeks for the infection to clear up, even after treatment with antifungal medications. In more severe cases, medical attention may be required.

Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of athlete's foot.

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the feet. (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection, also known as tinea pedis, that causes rash-like eruptions on the feet. Fungal infections, like athlete's foot, are extremely common.

The infection is caused by ringworm. Tinea is another word for ringworm, while pedis means foot or feet. An itchy, stinging, burning rash can appear on one or both feet if you have athlete's foot. Although athlete's foot typically manifests itself in the space between the toes, it can also happen on the soles, heels and even the tops of feet.

Scaly, cracked or blistering skin are common symptoms of this infection. It may also leave you with bad smelling feet.

Causes and symptoms of athlete's foot

Keeping your feet clean and moisturized is the best way to prevent athlete's foot. (Image via Flickr)

Direct contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces are both potential routes of transmission of tinea pedis or athlete's foot. The fungi prefers humid and warm conditions and is commonly present in public pools, locker rooms and shower.

Treatment of athlete's foot needs to be determined after determining the kind of infection. Symptoms vary for different kinds of the infection, and to give you the correct cure for athlete's foot, your doctor needs to be aware of the exact symptoms of your condition.

Toe web infection: Most cases of athlete's foot are due to an infection in the space between the toes, called the toe web. The area of skin between the ring and little toes is especially vulnerable (pinkie toe). The condition can cause discoloration, peeling, flaking, and cracking of the skin.
Moccasin-type infection: When you have a moccasin-type infection, it spreads to the bottoms of the feet, heels, and the outer edges of your feet. For a few days, the toes and feet may hurt from all the walking. The skin on the feet will eventually thicken and develop cracks. Toenail fungus can develop in extremely unusual circumstances and can get thicker, shatter into pieces, and drop out.
Vesicular-type infection: An infection of the vesicular variety can manifest anywhere on the skin but most often appears on the soles of the feet. Bumpy, fluid-filled blisters characterize a vesicular infection (vesicles).
Ulcerative infection: Athlete's foot with an ulcerative infection is extremely uncommon. You may develop ulcers between your toes. Moreover, you may develop open sores on your feet.

Diagnosis of athlete's foot

Painful and itchy rashes and swelling are symptoms of this condition. (Image via Flickr)

The symptoms of athlete's foot can help a doctor make a diagnosis. Also, if your doctor has any doubts that a fungal infection is to blame for your symptoms, they may recommend a skin test.

The most common diagnostic method for athlete's foot is a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam. The infected tissue is removed from the patient and placed in a container of potassium hydroxide. The KOH kills off all the healthy cells while leaving the fungal cells alone, making them stand out clearly under the microscope.

Treatment of athlete's foot

The most common treatment of athlete's foot is over-the-counter topical anti-fungal products.

Medications available over-the-counter (OTC) may not be strong enough to treat your infection, in which case your doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal creams or pills for you to take orally or topically. Apart from medical treatment, your doctor may suggest self-care measures to speed your recovery from the infection.

Treatment of athlete's foot at home

Tea tree oil is often used a treatment of athlete's foot. (Image via Flickr)

You can try these athlete's foot treatments at home if you're looking for an early-stage athlete's foot cure. Do remember that home remedies for athlete's foot don't always work for everyone, and you should use these in a diluted form or they can harm your skin further.

Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil, applied to the affected area twice daily, has shown promise as a treatment of athlete's foot symptoms like itching, scaling, swelling, and burning. However, results may not be visible for up to a month, and the remedy doesn't work for everyone.

Bitter orange: The oil extracted from bitter oranges has antifungal properties and is used as a home treatment of athlete's foot. It can help treat athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch. If used undiluted, bitter orange can cause skin irritation. Wear sunscreen if you use it; it can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.

To conclude, treatment for foot fungus requires not only medicine but also careful attention to foot hygiene. Your feet (and the spaces in between them) should be washed and dried thoroughly twice daily, in the morning and again before bed.

Wear synthetic socks that wick away moisture if you can't go barefoot or wear sandals. Cotton absorbs lots of moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew.