Athlete's foot is a common persistent infection of the foot caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layers (dermatophyte). These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, stockings, and the floors of public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.

Athlete's foot is transmitted through contact with a cut or abrasion on the bottom of the foot. In rare cases, the fungus is transmitted from infected animals to humans.

Dermatophyte (skin) infections cause raised, circular pimples or blisters that resemble the lesions caused by ringworm. The infections are named for the part of the body they infect; therefore, tinea pedis refers to an infection of the feet.

Alternative names of Athlete's Foot

Jock itch (tinea cruris). This form affects your genitals, inner thighs and buttocks.
Tinea corporis - This form causes a red, scaly ring or circle of rash on the top layer of your skin.
Tinea capitis - This form is most common in children and involves red, itchy patches on the scalp, leaving bald patches.

Causes of Athlete's Foot

Overuse of antibiotics result in the destruction of beneficial bacteria that fight that fight fungal infections.
The fungi are prominent in damp and warm areas such as showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

There are many different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:

dry skin,
itching,
scaling,
inflammation, and
blisters.
Cracking and peeling skin, especially between your toes and on the soles of your feet.

Treatment of Athlete's Foot

Apply a topical antifungal ointment such as miconazole or clotrimazole four to five times a day. Reapply after showering and before going to bed.
Dry carefully between each toe whenever your feet get wet. Consider using a hair dryer set on low to thoroughly dry your feet.
Place cotton balls between your toes at night if your feet perspire excessively when you sleep.
Avoid soaps, especially deodorant soaps.
Antifungal powder containing miconazole or clotrimazole into your shoes when you plan to wear your shoes for several hours.
Ask your doctor for a prescription of oral griseofulvin for athlete's foot that spreads or will not go away.

Prevention tips

Changing socks, keeping your feet dry and alternating shoes can help you prevent athlete's foot.

Avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes.
Reduce perspiration by using talcum powder.
Wear light and airy shoes.
Wear socks that soak up wetness. Cotton is one material that does this.
Ask your parent to buy antifungal powder to put in your sneakers or shoes.
Spray your shoes with a disinfectant and set them in out in the sun to help kill germs.
Don't share towels or footwear.
Keep home bathroom surfaces clean - especially showers and tubs.

Home remedies for Athelet's Foot

Many over-the-counter antifungal medications can be applied to the affected area. These creams should be used sparingly but regularly, at least once a day. An application the size of a chocolate chip should be adequate to cover the entire bottom of your foot.

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