Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the upper skin layer, and causes a rash that spreads easily. Almost everyone has experienced at least one infection in their life. Fungus thrives in warm, moist places, such as between your toes. Fungal infections can generally be self-treated using over-the-counter topical medications (applied to the skin) and doing things to prevent the infection from returning. Even after treatment, athlete's foot can reappear if the fungus gets the right conditions to grow and multiply.
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Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing Athlete's Foot
Step 1. Find out if you are at risk of developing athlete's foot
If you come into contact with a contaminated surface, and provide the right environment for the fungus to grow, you are at high risk of developing athlete's foot. The contaminated surface could be a swimming pool, locker room, or shower that you walked into barefoot after someone with athlete's foot used it. Certain behaviors can also make a person susceptible to fungal infections of the feet or toes, such as:
- Wearing tight shoes with little airflow
- Wearing shoes with plastic padding.
- Keeps feet moist and wet for a long time.
- Feet sweat a lot.
- Injury to the nails or skin of the feet.
Step 2. Know the symptoms of athlete's foot
Most of the symptoms are irritation of the skin caused by fungi. There are 3 types of athlete's foot with slightly different symptoms. There are mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Some symptoms (such as itching) may get worse as soon as you take off your shoes and socks. Some of the symptoms of athlete's foot include:
- Itching and burning.
- Skin peeling or scraping.
- Cracked skin.
- Legs bleeding.
- Pain in the area affected by the fungus.
- The skin tone appears redder/pink than the rest of the leg (if you have light skin).
Step 3. Examine the feet carefully for signs of athlete's foot
See both feet up close in good lighting so you don't miss anything. Pay special attention to the area between your toes and soles. If your skin is red, peeling, or looks dry and you have some of the symptoms described in this article, start treatment.
Step 4. Look for a toe web infection
Web infection in the toes is a type of athlete's foot that often occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. Look for signs of athlete's foot in this area, such as scaly, cracked, or peeling skin. Bacteria can also infect the area, causing more severe skin damage.
Step 5. Check if you have a moccasin type infection
A moccasin-type infection can start with a thin thickening or crack in the heel or other area of the lower leg. This condition will slowly get worse, infecting the nail which makes it thick, cracked, or detached. Also check your toenails for signs of fungal infection or irritation.
Step 6. Check for vesicular infection
This type of fungal infection can cause fluid-filled blisters that develop suddenly on the feet. These blisters are usually on the lower legs. Bacterial infections can occur at the same time as vesicular infections, making the symptoms worse.
Step 7. Understand that athlete's foot can spread to other areas of the body
A yeast infection will take any opportunity and can appear anywhere that allows it to thrive. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling the infected foot area.
- Fungal infections can spread to the hands, especially if you squeeze the area of the foot that is affected by athlete's foot.
- Athlete's foot can spread to the fingernails and toenails. Infections of the toenails are more difficult to treat than infections of the skin of the feet.
- Athlete's foot can develop into jock itch (fungal infection in the groin) if it infects the groin area. Understand that the fungus that causes athlete's foot can contaminate objects such as towels or transfer through your hands if you touch an infected foot and then scratch the groin area.
Step 8. Go to the doctor
Medical professionals can usually diagnose athlete's foot by examining the area of the foot that is infected. Doctors can look for visual signs that indicate a yeast infection. The doctor may also perform several tests to confirm a diagnosis. Some of the tests that may be performed include:
- Take a layer of skin on the infected area to examine the cells using a microscope.
- Examine the feet using a dark light to reveal the fungus on the feet.
- Send skin cell samples to the laboratory for further testing.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Athlete's Foot
Step 1. Use over-the-counter topical medications
Many over-the-counter antifungal products, such as creams, solutions, gels, sprays, ointments, spreads, or powders can effectively treat athlete's foot. Some products take 1-2 weeks to work, while others need 4-8 weeks to get rid of yeast infections. Fast-acting drugs usually cost more than others, but only require small amounts to treat athlete's foot.
Over-the-counter topical antifungals generally contain one of the following active ingredients: clotrimazole, terbinafine, miconazole, or tolnaftate. Usually you have to do treatment for 1-8 weeks, depending on the drug chosen
Step 2. Apply a topical antifungal medication
Wash your hands before and after handling athlete's foot. The area must be dry before you apply the medicine directly to the rash and the area around it. Even if the rash is gone, the fungus is still on the skin. So you have to stick with the remedy.
- It's a good idea to continue using antifungal creams and powders for 1-2 weeks after the fungus is removed to make sure the infection doesn't come back.
- Use the drug according to the instructions given on the package, tube, or brochure that comes with the drug. Do not take more than the dose, and do not stop taking the medicine, even if the symptoms have gone before the medicine wears off.
- Never tear peeling skin. This can damage the surrounding healthy skin and allow the yeast infection to spread.
Step 3. Use Burow's solution
This over-the-counter solution is sometimes used to treat skin conditions, and has antibacterial and astringent properties. This product is great for treating vesicular infections.
- Follow the directions given, and soak your feet several times a day for at least 3 days. If all the fluid on the blister has drained, you can turn to a topical antifungal medication to treat the infected area.
- You can also apply Burow's solution to a cloth or other type of compress, then apply it to the infected area.
- Another solution that can be tried is a mixture of 2/3 parts warm water and 1/3 parts vinegar.
Step 4. Always keep your feet dry
Mushrooms thrive in moist and warm environments. The foot is an ideal place for athlete's foot to develop. Work hard to keep your feet dry throughout the day.
- Change socks and shoes as often as needed to keep feet dry. If the socks are damp, you will need to replace them. Wear clean cotton socks at all times. Synthetic fibers are not as good at wicking away moisture as cotton.
- One method that can be used is to insert silica packets (this is usually included in the package of beef jerky) into the socks you are wearing. This may feel uncomfortable, but silica is great at wicking away moisture. For this reason, silica is used in the packaging of beef jerky.
- You can use talcum powder or antifungal powder on your feet and sprinkle it inside your shoes to help treat fungal infections.
- Try to wear shoes or sandals with open toes.
Step 5. Use tea tree or garlic oil
Both of these natural ingredients can help treat athlete's foot if used regularly. Garlic and tea tree oil contain antifungal compounds that can eradicate fungal infections. While garlic and tea tree oil can reduce athlete's foot symptoms, the infection may not go away completely.
Understand that these natural remedies have not been proven effective through scientific testing. Evidence about the effectiveness of using garlic and/or tea tree oil is either anecdotal (not necessarily true), or based solely on personal experience
Step 6. Take prescription medication
If the yeast infection is severe or difficult to get rid of, your doctor may prescribe a topical or oral antifungal medication (oral medicine). Some prescription antifungal drugs can cause side effects. Consult with your doctor about the drugs that will be given to you.
- Topical over-the-counter antifungal medications contain ingredients such as clotrimazole, butenafine, or naftifine.
- If in pill form, prescription antifungal drugs contain fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine. Usually you should take these pills within 2-8 weeks, depending on the medication prescribed.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Athlete's Foot
Step 1. Wear sandals when going to the pool or public bath
Since the fungus that causes athlete's foot is contagious, you must create a barrier between your foot and any vectors that could potentially cause transmission. Always wear footwear when in public, especially in warm and humid places.
Let your feet dry completely after swimming or showering before you put on your shoes
Step 2. Change shoes every day
Allow the shoes to air dry for at least 24 hours before you put them back on. The fungus can live for a short time inside the shoe. So, try to keep the fungus from infecting your feet continuously. So that shoes do not become a medium for the spread of infection, wear one pair of shoes for one day, and the other for the next.
Buy new shoes if you really need them
Step 3. Perform bacterial cleaning on clothing, shoes, and equipment
Anything you put on your feet when you get infected should be cleaned of bacteria using bleach or another cleanser. These objects include nail clippers, socks, shoes, and anything that comes into contact with the feet. You don't want to get a yeast infection again after spending a lot of time treating it.
Use bleach and very hot water to kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot on shoes and clothing
Step 4. Wear loose-fitting shoes
Tight shoes block airflow around the foot. This makes it easier for mushrooms to grow. Another thing you can do is tuck sheep's wool between your toes when wearing shoes to keep each toe apart. You can buy sheep's wool at a drugstore or foot care service.
Tips
- Dry your groin first before drying your feet when you swim or shower. Put on socks before putting on underwear to prevent yeast infections from spreading to the groin.
- Consult a health care professional for advice on which medications to use.
Warning
- If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread to other people or result in a bacterial infection.
- See a doctor or specialist if athlete's foot doesn't heal or gets worse.
- See a doctor if you have diabetes and have symptoms of athlete's foot.
