What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the skin on the feet, especially the areas between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like gym locker rooms and public showers, making it more common in individuals who sweat a lot or frequently wear tight footwear. Although it primarily affects the feet, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It affects almost 3% of the general adult population (source) and is more common amongst men than women (source). This article covers everything you need to know about athlete’s foot—from its causes and symptoms to the risk factors and the importance of treating athlete’s foot and preventing it spreading to other parts of the body. how it can spread to other areas of the body.

Read on to Discover

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms – What Does It Look Like?
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
Is Athlete’s Foot Contagious?
Who is at Increased Risk of Athlete’s Foot?
Can Athlete’s Foot affect other areas of the Body?
Conclusion
Athlete’s Foot: FAQ

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms – What Does It Look Like?

Knowing what to look for when it comes to athletes foot symptoms can help you seek the right care early on. The infection usually starts between the toes and can range from mild to severe. Below are the common signs to look out for:

Itching, stinging, and burning: These sensations often occur between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
Red, scaly, or cracked skin: The skin may appear red and inflamed, particularly in the areas where the infection is most active.
Peeling or flaky skin: The affected areas may become dry and start to peel, especially between the toes.
Blisters: Some people develop small, fluid-filled blisters on their feet, which can be painful.
Unpleasant odor: Athlete’s foot can sometimes cause a noticeable foot odor due to fungal overgrowth.
Thickened or discolored toenails: In more severe cases, the fungus can affect the toenails, causing them to thicken, discolor, or crumble.

These symptoms can progress over time if left untreated. For information on how to prevent and treat Athlete’s Foot, find our article on athlete’s foot prevention and treatment here.

Mild Athlete’s Foot

In the early stages, athlete’s foot may cause some discomfort, but it can be easily overlooked, since the symptoms can vary.. At this point, the infection is typically limited to areas between the toes. Though it may not be painful at this stage, addressing these symptoms early can help prevent it from progressing. If you’re experiencing these early symptoms and they persist, it could be helpful to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.

Severe Athlete’s Foot

When athlete’s foot is left untreated, symptoms can become more severe. At this stage, the infection can spread beyond the toes, affecting the soles or sides of the foot. The skin may become more inflamed and painful, sometimes developing secondary bacterial infections that require further medical attention. Severe cases may result in widespread, rash-like patches that are more difficult to manage without intervention. It’s important to note that though there can be differing degrees of severity with athlete’s foot, it can be equally as true that the fungus can be present and not visible at all – for example, ulceration between the toes. It’s important to seek guidance from a health care professional, should you suspect any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.

Foul Odor From the Affected Areas

A noticeable, unpleasant odor can develop due to a fungal infection. This odor results from the breakdown of skin cells and can be particularly pronounced when the infection is severe or left untreated. This can further indicate the presence of bacterial infections, which often accompany fungal growth on the skin.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot (also known as Tinea Pedis) is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. These fungi feed on Keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. Common causes and conditions that promote the spread of athlete’s foot include:

Frequent exposure to warm, moist environments, such as public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools
Wearing tight or non-breathable footwear that traps moisture and heat
Excessive sweating, particularly when feet remain damp for extended periods
Walking barefoot in communal areas, increases exposure to fungal spores
Sharing personal items, like towels or shoes, that may carry the fungus
Inadequate drying of feet after showering, bathing or swimming
Weakened immune system or conditions like diabetes, which can make infections more likely
Prolonged use of shoes, especially by athletes or workers in restrictive footwear

Is Athlete’s Foot Contagious?

Yes, athlete’s foot is contagious. It can spread through direct contact with infected skin or by touching surfaces contaminated with fungus, like floors, towels, or shoes. This is why it’s important to avoid sharing personal items like socks or footwear, and to always wear footwear in communal areas.

Although athlete’s foot spreads easily, there are ways to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others. If you notice symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for advice on managing the infection and preventing its spread.

Who is at Increased Risk of Athlete’s Foot?

While anyone can develop athlete’s foot, certain groups of people are at a higher risk. Athletes, as the name suggests, are particularly prone due to the combination of tight, damp shoes and the frequent use of communal showers or locker rooms. Those who wear heavy work boots for extended periods may also be more vulnerable.

People with conditions that affect the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV, are more likely to develop fungal infections, including athlete’s foot. Additionally, those with poor circulation in the feet may also be at greater risk, as this can make it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Understanding who is at increased risk can help you make informed decisions to protect yourself. For a detailed look, visit our article about the population at risk.

Can Athlete’s Foot affect other areas of the Body?

While athlete’s foot primarily affects the feet, especially between the toes, it can spread to other areas of the body if not properly managed. The infection can be transferred through scratching or contact with contaminated surfaces. Below are some common areas where athlete’s foot can spread:

Hands (Tinea Manuum): If you touch or scratch the infected areas on your feet without washing your hands, the fungus can spread to your hands. Symptoms may include dry, flaky skin and itching, similar to outbreaks on the feet.
Groin (Tinea Cruris): Often referred to as jock itch, this occurs when the fungus spreads from the feet to the groin, usually through clothing or towels. Symptoms include red, itchy patches in the groin area. Learn more in our article about Jock Itch.
Nails (Tinea Unguium or Onychomycosis): The fungus can spread to the toenails, causing them to become thick, discolored, and brittle. This condition can take longer to treat and may require specific antifungal medication.
Armpits: Although less common, the fungus can spread to the underarms, leading to red, itchy patches of skin in this warm, moist area.
Scalp (Tinea Capitis): In rare cases, if the infection spreads through contaminated surfaces or hands, it can affect the scalp, causing itching and flaky skin.

(Source)

Athlete’s Foot Between Toes

One of the most common places for athlete’s foot to develop is between the toes. The space between your toes is often warm and moist, providing the perfect environment for the fungus to grow. This can lead to peeling, redness, and itching between the toes. If you’re wondering what athlete’s foot looks like between the toes, it often resembles patches of cracked or peeling skin, and sometimes the area can appear white or slightly swollen. (Source)

How Athlete’s Foot Can Spread to Become Nail Fungus

Athlete’s foot can spread from the skin of the feet to the toenails, leading to nail fungus (onychomycosis). The fungal infection can penetrate the nail bed, causing nails to become thick, discolored, and brittle. This process usually occurs when athlete’s foot is left untreated, allowing the fungus to gradually infiltrate deeper areas of the foot, including the nails. Treating athlete’s foot early can prevent the infection from reaching the nails, which are harder to treat and may require specific antifungal medications. Do seek professional guidance from a medical doctor on management of symptoms to ensure best practice is being followed.

Conclusion

By keeping an eye on early symptoms and understanding the causes, you can take the necessary steps to manage and potentially prevent athlete’s foot. Always remember to consult a healthcare professional for advice if you suspect you have a fungal infection or if the symptoms become severe. If you’re interested in learning more about how to address this condition, find out more about potential prevention methods here or explore the use of LamisilAT cream here.

Athlete’s Foot: FAQ

Why does the bottom of my foot itch?

Itching on the bottom of your foot could be a symptom of athlete’s foot or another fungal infection, but it can also result from dry skin, allergies, or other skin conditions. If the itching persists, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why do I have peeling skin on my feet?

Peeling skin on your feet could be a sign of athlete’s foot, particularly if it’s accompanied by itching and redness. However, it could also be due to dry skin, eczema, or other dermatological issues. If the peeling continues or worsens, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is recommended.

Can You Get Athlete’s Foot on Your Hands?

Yes, athlete’s foot can spread to your hands, a condition called tinea manuum, typically through scratching or touching infected areas on your feet.

What does athlete’s foot look like?

Athlete’s foot often appears as red, peeling, flaky skin, primarily between the toes. In more severe cases, it can include blisters and cracked skin.

What is tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis is the medical term for athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet.

What does tinea pedis look like?

Tinea pedis typically presents as red, scaly, itchy patches of skin, most commonly between the toes.

What causes tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist environments.

How does tinea pedis affect the body?

Tinea pedis primarily affects the skin of the feet but can spread to other areas like the hands, nails, and groin.

How long can tinea pedis live on surfaces?

The fungi that cause tinea pedis can live on surfaces for weeks or even months.

How common is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is very common, particularly among people who frequently use communal showers or pools.

What type of skin infection is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, specifically caused by dermatophytes.

Can athlete’s foot spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, athlete’s foot can spread to other areas like the hands, groin, or nails.

Is athlete’s foot contagious?

Yes, athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.

Is athlete’s foot a fungal infection?

Yes, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes.

Will I definitely become infected if I come into contact with athlete’s foot pathogens?

Not necessarily, but you have a higher risk, especially if your feet are damp or you have small cuts or abrasions.