Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a rash on the skin of the foot. It's the most common skin infection caused by a fungus. Athlete's foot can cause itching, peeling, and cracking on the bottoms of the feet and between the toes.

Symptoms of athlete's foot vary from person to person. Some people have severe discomfort, while others have few or no symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet.
• Redness, blisters, or softening and breakdown (maceration) of the skin.
• Itching, burning, or both.

Your symptoms may depend on the type of athlete's foot you have.

• Toe web infection usually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin gets scaly, peels, and cracks. If you get a bacterial infection, the skin may break down even more.
• Moccasin-type infection may start with a little soreness on your foot. Then the skin on your sole or heel may become thick and crack. In severe cases, the toenails get infected.
• Vesicular infection usually starts with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters are usually on the sole but can appear anywhere on your foot. You may also get a bacterial infection.

A doctor can usually tell if you have athlete's foot by looking at your feet. He or she will also ask about your symptoms and any past fungal infections you've had. If your symptoms are unusual or treatment didn't help before, your doctor may take a skin or nail sample to test for fungi.

Treatment for athlete's foot depends on its type and severity. Most cases can be treated at home with antifungal medicines. They kill the fungus or slow its growth. You also need to keep your feet clean and dry.

Over-the-counter antifungal lotions, creams, or sprays usually are used first. These include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and tolnaftate (Tinactin).

Prescription antifungals may be tried if nonprescription medicines don't help. Some prescription antifungals are put directly on the skin. Others are taken as a pill.

If you have a severe infection that doesn't improve, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills. They are used only for severe cases.

• Your doctor may suggest an over-the counter lotion or spray or may prescribe a medicine. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• When you get dressed, put your socks on before your underwear. This can prevent the fungus from spreading from your feet to your groin.

To prevent athlete's foot

• Wear flip-flops or other shower sandals in public locker rooms and showers and by the pool.
• Dry between your toes after swimming or bathing.
• Wear leather shoes or sandals, which let air get to your feet.
• Change your socks as needed so your feet stay as dry as possible.
• Use antifungal powder on your feet.