Tips on Treating and Preventing AthleteΓÇÖs Foot

By Jennifer Wong, RPA-C

Even if youΓÇÖve never played a sport, youΓÇÖve probably dealt with athleteΓÇÖs foot. But this fungus-caused skin condition ΓÇô so named for its spread in athletic locker rooms and communal showers ΓÇô is easily treated and prevented.

Known medically as tinea pedis, athleteΓÇÖs foot affects up to 15% of the population ΓÇô most commonly men and older adults ΓÇô but almost everyone will get it at some point in their lives. 

AthleteΓÇÖs foot is characterized by cracked, reddened, itchy skin between the toes, especially the little toe and its next-door neighbor. The fungus causing it enters the skin through tiny cracks or wounds and can affect any part of the foot, not just the toes.

It can happen to anyone, but athleteΓÇÖs foot is easier to catch in places like locker rooms, indoor pools and other moist areas because it needs moisture and warmth to spread. ItΓÇÖs a maddening condition, because the itchiness can be distracting and the affected skin can also feel tight and raw.ΓÇ¥

Treatment options

AthleteΓÇÖs foot has such straightforward symptoms, you probably already know if youΓÇÖve got it. Indeed, your doctor would likely know on sight that athleteΓÇÖs foot is the cause of your foot itch and discomfort. But if the condition isnΓÇÖt treated, it can spread to toenails and cause a nail infection. 

ΓÇ£This fungus infection can even spread to other skin areas such as the hands, though that rarely occurs,ΓÇ¥ she explains. ΓÇ£But because of this possible spread ΓÇô and because basic symptoms are often such a nuisance ΓÇô you do want to treat athleteΓÇÖs foot and not let it fester.ΓÇ¥

What are your treatment options? They include:

• Over-the-counter creams, gels, powders, lotions and sprays: These anti-fungal products are typically found in the foot care section of drugstores and contain medications such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin). Applying twice a day, after washing and drying your feet, can lead to results in two to four weeks. 
• Prescription-strength creams or ointments: Stronger than their OTC versions, your doctor might prescribe these products for stubborn cases of athleteΓÇÖs foot.
• Antifungal pills: Oral medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed for more serious athleteΓÇÖs foot infections or complications. 
• Combination treatment involving topical and oral medications.

Tips for prevention

Like any other condition, athleteΓÇÖs foot is better prevented than dealt with once it develops. I advise these prevention tactics:

• Dry your feet thoroughly with a towel after showering, bathing or swimming.
• DonΓÇÖt wear shoes that are too tight. Preferably, your shoes should allow feet to ΓÇ£breathe.ΓÇ¥
• Alternate footwear by day, avoiding wearing the same shoes two days in a row.
• Take off shoes as much as possible.
• Wear flip-flops or shower shoes when at swimming pools, communal showers and locker rooms.
• DonΓÇÖt share towels, socks or shoes.
• Wash socks and towels at hot temperatures to kill fungus.

AthleteΓÇÖs foot is definitely no fun, but with a little extra caution, it shouldnΓÇÖt stop you from doing all the fun things you enjoy. If your athleteΓÇÖs foot isnΓÇÖt getting better with home measures, make sure to see your doctor.

Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com.

Jennifer Wong, PA-C, is a physician assistant who specializes in dermatology at Advanced Dermatology P.C.