Are You Sick?

Athlete's Foot

Is this your symptom?

  • A skin infection with an itchy rash or white patches between the toes
  • Red, sore and flaky patches of skin on the feet
  • Cracked and/or bleeding skin between the toes

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

  • Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes
  • The rash itches and burns
  • With itching, the rash becomes raw and weepy
  • Can be on the insteps of the feet
  • Smelly feet

Cause of Athlete's Foot

  • A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin

Other Health Problems from Athlete's Foot

  • Jock Itch is a fungus infection of the groin and inner, upper thighs. Caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. Can be spread by a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
  • Impetigo is a bacterial infection that can start in the cracks between the toes. Causes sores, soft scabs and pus. Needs to be seen by a doctor. Easily spread to other people in the household.
  • Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that spreads into the skin. Causes redness spreading into the back of the foot. The red area is painful to touch. Needs to be seen urgently by a doctor.
  • Lymphangitis is a bacterial infection that spreads in the lymph system. It can look like a red streak that goes up the leg. It is more serious because the infection can get into the bloodstream. This is called sepsis. Needs to be seen urgently by a doctor.

When to Call for Athlete's Foot

When to Call for Athlete's Foot

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Foot is very painful
  • Fever and foot looks infected (pain, spreading redness, pus)
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash or redness has spread to the top of the foot
  • Rash is not getting better after 1 week on treatment
  • Weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids, kidney problems.
  • Rash not gone (clear) after 2 weeks of treatment
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Mild athlete's foot

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Foot is very painful
  • Fever and foot looks infected (pain, spreading redness, pus)
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash or redness has spread to the top of the foot
  • Rash is not getting better after 1 week on treatment
  • Weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids, kidney problems.
  • Rash not gone (clear) after 2 weeks of treatment
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Mild athlete's foot

Care Advice

What You Should Know About Athlete's Foot:

  • Athlete's foot is common in adults and teens.
  • It's caused by a fungus that grows best on warm, damp skin.
  • Here is some care advice that should help.

Anti-Fungal Cream:

  • Use an anti-fungal cream (such as Lotrimin AF), spray or powder. No prescription is needed.
  • Use 2 times per day.
  • Put it on the rash and 1 inch (25 mm) beyond its borders.
  • Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.

Keep the Feet Dry:

  • Rinse the feet 2 times per day.
  • Dry your feet after washing them. Be sure to dry between the toes. Blot them dry rather than rubbing them.
  • Then apply the cream.
  • Do not share towels, socks or shoes with other people.
  • Go barefoot at home or wear sandals as much as you can.
  • Do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty.
  • Wear socks made of man-made fibers. They will keep the feet drier and cooler than cotton. Change them twice daily.

Do Not Scratch:

  • Scratching infected feet will slow the healing. It can spread the fungus to other parts of the body.
  • Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.

Return to Work:

  • Athlete's foot is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
  • You do not need to miss any work. You can be active and play sports.
  • Your socks can be washed with the normal laundry. They don't need to be boiled.

Jock Itch Prevention:

  • Athlete's foot fungus can spread to the groin area. This is called jock itch.
  • The fungus can be spread by a towel or washcloth.
  • So, after bathing, dry the groin area before the feet.
  • You can also use a different towel for the feet.
  • Do this for at least 7 days after the athlete's foot looks like it is cured.

What to Expect:

  • With proper treatment, athlete's foot goes away within 2 weeks.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • It looks infected
  • Rash is not getting better after 1 week of treatment
  • Rash is not gone (clear skin) after 2 weeks on treatment
  • You think you need to be seen
  • Your symptoms get worse

    • Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

    Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

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