Foot fungus, or a fungal infection on the feet, is a common condition that can affect various parts of the foot, from the skin to the toenails. While it’s typically not serious, it can cause discomfort and affect your daily routine. Fortunately, many types of foot fungus can be treated at home or with the help of a healthcare provider. Let’s explore the different types, their symptoms, and what you can do about them.
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is one of the most well-known foot fungal infections. Despite its name, you don’t have to be an athlete to get it. It’s often spread in damp, communal areas like locker rooms and pools. This infection thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why it frequently appears between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. (Source) There are several types of athlete’s foot, each with its own symptoms.
The most common form of athlete’s foot is the toe web type, also known as the interdigital type. This form typically occurs between the toes, usually the fourth and fifth toes, and is often associated with itching, burning, and peeling skin. In more severe cases, you may notice cracked or oozing skin, making the condition uncomfortable and potentially leading to bacterial infections. If this sounds familiar, learning more about what athlete’s foot is can give you a deeper understanding of this condition.
A less common type is moccasin athlete’s foot, which affects the sole and heel of the foot. With this type, the skin on the bottom of the foot can become dry, thick, and cracked. Sometimes the infection spreads to the toenails, leading to further discomfort. (Source)
The vesicular form of athlete’s foot is characterized by blisters that appear on the bottom or top of the foot, or even between the toes. These blisters can be itchy or painful and are often filled with fluid. The blisters usually form suddenly and can lead to further irritation if they break open. (Source)
Ulcerative athlete’s foot is the rarest and most severe type. It typically involves open sores and ulcers between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. This type of infection can be very painful and may lead to secondary bacterial infections, making it important to see a healthcare provider if you think you have this type of infection. (Source)
To find out more about how to treat fungal infections at home or with the help of a healthcare professional, visit Lamisil’s page on treatment and prevention.
Another common fungal infection is toenail fungus, or onychomycosis. This type of infection can affect one or more toenails, making them thick, discolored, and brittle. (Source) There are different types of fungi that can cause this condition, and it’s key to know which type you may have so you can seek the right treatment.
The most common cause of toenail fungus is dermatophyte fungi, which is the same fungus responsible for athlete’s foot and thrives in warm, moist environments. These fungi usually enter the skin through tiny cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. The infection causes the nail to become yellow or brown and thicken, which can make walking uncomfortable. (Source)
Another type of toenail fungus is caused by yeast. While less common than dermatophyte infections, yeast can still lead to similar symptoms, such as thickeed or discolored nails. Yeast infections tend to affect people with weakened immune systems or those who frequently have their hands and feet in water. (Source)
In some cases, toenail infections are due to bacterial growth, which often develops when the toenail has already been compromised by a fungal infection. Bacterial infections are usually secondary infections that occur when the skin around the toenail becomes damaged.
Occasionally, molds can also cause toenail fungus, especially in people who live in humid environments. Mold infections are less common but can still cause thick, discolored nails similar to dermatophyte infections.
While fungal infections are common, bacterial foot infections can also develop, especially if the skin is damaged due to a fungal infection or injury. Bacterial infections may lead to more serious complications if left untreated, so it’s important to recognize the signs. Below are a few types of bacterial foot infections that you should be aware of.
Erythrasma is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium, which often occurs in the same areas as fungal infections, particularly in warm, moist environments like between the toes. Erythrasma presents as reddish-brown patches of skin that may itch or cause mild discomfort.
It can sometimes be confused with fungal infections due to its similar appearance, but it’s caused by bacteria rather than fungi. A healthcare professional can diagnose erythrasma and may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to treat it. (Source)
A staph infection, caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, can occur on the feet, especially if there’s a break in the skin, such as from a blister, cut, or existing fungal infection.
Staph infections can range from mild to severe, causing symptoms such as redness, swelling, warmth, and pus-filled blisters. In more serious cases, a staph infection can lead to cellulitis or an abscess, and it may require medical attention to prevent it from spreading. Keeping your feet clean and protecting any open wounds is key to avoiding staph infections. (Source & Source)
A foot abscess is a pocket of pus that can form anywhere on the foot, but it is often seen where there has been a wound or another infection, such as toe skin fungus or a staph infection. Abscesses are painful and may cause swelling and redness in the area.
A healthcare professional will likely need to drain the abscess to prevent further infection and promote healing. If left untreated, an abscess can worsen, leading to more severe complications like cellulitis. (Source)
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin, usually developing when bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Corynebacterium, enter through a break in the skin.
This infection causes redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area, and it can spread rapidly if not treated. Cellulitis is more serious than other bacterial infections of the foot and requires medical intervention, typically with antibiotics, to prevent the infection from worsening. (Source)
Taking steps to prevent foot fungus and bacterial infections is key to keeping your feet healthy. Here are some simple tips that can help:
For more information, read our article about treatment and prevention of Athlete’s foot.
While many foot conditions can be treated at home, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if:
A healthcare provider can diagnose the type of infection you have and recommend the best treatment options. If you’d like to learn more about skin fungus, visit our page on what skin fungus is for further details.
There are many types of conditions that can affect your feet. While they can be uncomfortable, most cases are treatable with home remedies and over-the-counter products. If symptoms persist, a healthcare provider can help diagnose the issue and suggest the right treatment. Taking simple steps like keeping your feet dry, wearing breathable shoes, and using antifungal products can help prevent infections and keep your feet healthy.
The most common type of foot fungus is athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). It typically affects the skin between the toes and can also spread to the soles of the feet. Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling of the skin.
Moccasin athlete’s foot is a type of foot fungus that can make the skin on the sole and heel of the foot thick and dry, which may resemble a callus. This form of athlete’s foot often causes cracking and peeling of the skin.
A fungal toe infection typically affects the toenail, causing it to become thick, discolored, and brittle. In contrast, a bacterial toe infection usually affects the skin around the nail, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. Fungal infections develop more slowly, while bacterial infections can progress more rapidly.
Prescription-strength oral antifungal medications are considered the strongest, but OTC treatments like Lamisil Cream can be highly effective for most cases of athlete’s foot.
There are several types of foot fungus, with the most common being athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and toenail fungus (onychomycosis). Within these categories, there are subtypes such as toe web, moccasin, and vesicular forms of athlete’s foot.
The main types of infections caused by foot fungus include:
A podiatrist (a doctor specializing in foot care) or a dermatologist (a skin specialist) typically treats foot fungus. They can diagnose the condition and recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it’s a topical or oral antifungal medication.
Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which are a type of fungi that live on the dead tissue of the skin, hair, and nails. These fungi thrive in warm, damp environments.
Yes, there are several types of foot fungus. The most common are athlete’s foot, which affects the skin between the toes and the bottom of the foot, and toenail fungus, which affects the toenails.
Yes, toenail fungus (onychomycosis) can be caused by different types of organisms:
There are various types of foot fungus. The most common categories are athlete’s foot and toenail fungus, each with subtypes based on the specific area and symptoms of the infection.
No, palmoplantar pustulosis is not a foot fungus. It is a type of psoriasis that causes pustules (small blisters filled with fluid) on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Unlike fungal infections, this is an inflammatory skin condition and requires different treatments. (Source)
