Athletes Foot
Overview
Causes
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus. A fungus thrives in a warm, dark, moist place. The most common place is inside shoes, locker rooms, showers, and swimming pool areas. Fungus from a floor, mat, rug, shoe, or towel can pass to bare feet with contact. Athlete's foot can also pass from contact with fungus on someone else's feet. Once the fungus is on skin it can grow.
Risk Factors
Athlete's foot is more common in adults and males. Other things that raise the risk are:
- A warm, moist environment
- Walking barefoot in locker rooms or public places
- A wound on the foot
- Sweaty feet
- Wearing air-tight or poorly ventilated shoes or boots
- A weak immune system
- Close contact with someone who has a foot fungus
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Athlete's foot symptoms usually start in the skin between the toes. It may spread to the soles or arches of the feet. It can also spread to the toenails if the infection continues. Symptoms may be:
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Burning
- Scaling, cracking, and redness
- A white, wet surface
- Blisters
- A bad odor
Treatments
Treatment
The goal is to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Athlete's foot is treated with medicines, such as:
- Creams, gels, and powders applied to the feet—to kill the fungus
- Antifungal medicine by mouth—to treat severe infections or other problems
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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