OverviewAthlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Show Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include an itchy, scaly rash. The condition is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection often comes back. SymptomsAthlete's foot can affect one or both feet. Common signs and symptoms are:
When to see a doctorIf you have a rash on your foot that doesn't improve within two weeks of beginning self-treatment with an over-the-counter antifungal product, see your doctor. If you have diabetes, see your doctor if you suspect that you have athlete's foot. Also see your doctor if you have signs of an infection — swelling of the affected area, pus, fever. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage
information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesAthlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungi (dermatophytes) that cause ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth. Athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes. You can also spread it from the foot to other parts of the body, especially if you scratch or pick the infected parts of your foot. Risk factorsYou are at higher risk of athlete's foot if you:
ComplicationsThe athlete's foot infection can spread to other warm, moist parts of the body. Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that results in athlete's foot. It's common for the infection to spread from the feet to the groin because the fungus can travel on hands or towels. Athlete's foot can sometimes lead to bacterial infections. PreventionThese tips can help you avoid athlete's foot or avoid spreading it to others:
Oct. 08, 2022
RelatedProducts & ServicesHow do you get rid of dry itchy feet?Apply a lubricating, alcohol-free moisturizer to your skin during the day and before bed. Apply cool, wet compresses to soothe the itch. Take a bath in lukewarm water and colloidal oatmeal or baking soda. Turn on a humidifier.
What does it mean when your feet are dry and itchy?Exposure to stress or irritants can trigger you to develop dry, itchy feet, or lead you to develop fungal infections and rashes that increase the urge to scratch. Most of the time, irritated or itchy skin is not worrisome, but occasionally can be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition.
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