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Athlete’s Foot vs. Psoriasis on Feet

How to tell the difference

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that thrives in warm, damp environments, while psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to dry, scaly skin. Psoriasis is a widespread condition, affecting over 3% of U.S. adults, which is over 7.5 million people (source).

Skin conditions on your feet can be both uncomfortable and painful. Symptoms like redness, peeling, or cracking may point to either of these conditions.

Although they might appear similar at first glance, athlete’s foot and psoriasis differ significantly in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand these conditions and take steps toward healthier skin.

Read on to Discover

Understanding the Symptoms

What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that thrives in warm, damp environments like locker rooms and tight shoes. Symptoms often include:

Athlete’s foot usually starts between the toes and can spread to the soles or edges of the feet. If left untreated, it might also lead to a rash or blistering.

What About Psoriasis on Feet?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing it to renew too quickly. On the feet, it’s often referred to as plantar psoriasis and can present as:

  • Thick, red patches of skin with silvery scales.
  • Painful cracks, especially on the soles or heels.
  • Dry, flaky skin that doesn’t improve with moisturizers.
  • Yellowing or thickening of toenails in some cases.

Psoriasis tends to appear on both feet simultaneously, and athlete’s foot might affect one foot more than the other.

Spotting Key Differences in Early Symptoms

In the early stages, athlete’s foot is usually more itchy, while psoriasis may feel more painful or tender. If you’re noticing skin splitting between your toes, consider whether the area looks moist (athlete’s foot) or dry and inflamed (psoriasis).

Early stages of athlete’s foot and psoriasis might also often be confused with eczema or dry skin. If you are in doubt about your symptoms and conditions, please also find articles related to telling apart eczema and Athlete’s foot and the difference between Athlete’s foot and dry skin.

5 Tips for Telling Athlete’s Foot and Psoriasis Apart

  • 1. Location:
    – Athlete’s foot starts between the toes and spreads outward.
    – Psoriasis often affects the soles, heels, or both feet equally. It also commonly exists in other parts of the body.
  • 2. Skin changes:
    – Athlete’s foot causes moist, peeling skin with redness.
    – Psoriasis creates thick, dry, scaly patches.
  • 3. Cracks in skin:
    – Athlete’s foot cracks are moist and between the toes.
    – Psoriasis cracks are dry on the soles or heels.
  • 4. Itch vs. pain:
    – Athlete’s foot is itchier.
    – Psoriasis is more likely to be painful.
  • 5. Response to treatment:
    – Antifungal creams improve athlete’s foot.
    – Psoriasis doesn’t respond to antifungals and may need different care.

If unsure, consult a healthcare provider for clarity and treatment options.

Are Athlete’s Foot and Psoriasis Contagious?

Athlete’s foot is contagious and spreads easily through direct contact or shared surfaces like showers, locker rooms, and towels. To reduce the risk of spreading, avoid walking barefoot in communal areas and don’t share personal items like socks or shoes.

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is not contagious. It’s an autoimmune condition, so you can’t catch it or give it to others through touch or shared surfaces. While it may look concerning, there’s no need to worry about passing it along to someone else.

Causes and Risk Factors

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection. The fungi that trigger it thrive in warm, damp places, making sweaty socks, tight shoes, and communal spaces like gyms or pools ideal breeding rounds. Some factors that increase your risk include:

  • Walking barefoot in shared areas.
  • Wearing shoes that don’t allow your feet to breathe.
  • Not drying your feet thoroughly after bathing.

Read more about the causes of athlete’s foot in our article What is Athlete’s Foot?

What Causes Psoriasis on Feet?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning it’s related to how your immune system works. Triggers can include:

  • Stress or emotional strain.
  • Skin injuries, such as cuts or scrapes.
  • Certain medications or infections.
  • Cold weather, which can dry out the skin.

Unlike athlete’s foot, psoriasis isn’t contagious. It’s something you may inherit from family members or develop due to specific triggers.

Diagnosing Athlete’s Foot and Psoriasis

If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s always a good idea to visit a healthcare professional. They can perform tests to confirm what you’re dealing with.

How is Athlete’s Foot Diagnosed?

Doctors usually examine your feet and may take a small scraping of the affected skin. This sample is analyzed under a microscope to identify the fungi responsible for the infection.

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will look at your symptoms and ask about your medical history. In some cases, they might perform a skin biopsy, which involves taking a small piece of skin for analysis. This helps rule out other conditions, like fungal infections.

Treating Athlete’s Foot vs. Psoriasis on Feet

Managing Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is generally easier to treat than psoriasis. Over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays are often effective. Here are some steps you can take at home:

  • Use antifungal products: Apply these directly to the affected area as directed on the packaging. LamisilAT Cream kills fungus fast and prevents recurrence for up to three months.
  • Keep your feet dry: After washing, ensure your feet are completely dry, especially between the toes.
  • Wear breathable footwear: Choose shoes made from materials like leather or mesh to keep moisture levels down.
  • Avoid sharing personal items: Towels, socks, and shoes should not be shared to prevent spreading the infection.

If symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, such as oral antifungal pills.

Continue reading about treatment and prevention of athlete’s foot here.

Caring for Psoriasis on Feet

Psoriasis requires a different approach. While there’s no cure, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms:

  • Topical treatments: Your doctor might recommend creams containing corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs to reduce inflammation and scaling.
  • Moisturizers: Keeping the skin hydrated is key to preventing painful cracks.
  • Light therapy: Some people find relief with phototherapy, a treatment involving controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • Medication for severe cases: If psoriasis is significantly affecting your life, a healthcare provider might discuss systemic medications with you.

For at-home care, try using thick creams or ointments at night and covering your feet with cotton socks to lock in moisture.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your symptoms aren’t improving or are getting worse, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider. For athlete’s foot, untreated infections can spread to other areas, like your nails, or lead to secondary bacterial infections. For psoriasis, seeking medical advice is especially important if the pain is severe or the condition is affecting your ability to walk or work.

Conclusion

Athlete’s foot and psoriasis may share some similarities, but understanding their differences can help you find the right treatment and care. Whether it’s keeping your feet dry to prevent athlete’s foot or moisturizing regularly to ease psoriasis symptoms, taking these steps can make a real difference in your comfort and skin health.

If you’re unsure about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit a healthcare professional. They can provide clarity and guide you toward the best course of action. Taking care of your feet doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it’s about finding what works best for you and supporting your skin in feeling its best.

Sources

www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/athletes-foot-prevent
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279549/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279399/
www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/symptoms/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448194/
www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/