ATHLETE'S FOOT

Main Symptoms

  • Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes
  • May involve the insteps of the feet
  • The rash itches and burns; with scratching, the rash becomes raw and weepy
  • Unpleasant foot odor

General Information

  • Athlete's Foot is an infection caused by a fungus that grows best on the warm, damp skin of the foot and toes. It is also referred to as "Tinea Pedis."
  • It is a common malady, with up to 70% of the adult population having it at some point in their lives.
  • There are both topical and oral medications that work well in treating this infection. Most healthy individuals will be able to treat Athlete's Foot effectively using a topical agent.

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Looks infected (redness, swelling, warmth, tender to touch, or red streaks)
  • Fever

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Foot is very painful

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Rash has spread beyond the instep and toes
  • You have diabetes

Self Care at Home If:

  • Mild Athlete's Foot and you don't think you need to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD ATHLETE'S FOOT

  1. Antifungal Cream:
    • Obtain either clotrimazole (e.g. Lotrimin AF) or miconazole (e.g. Micatin, Monistat-Derm) antifungal cream (over the counter).
    • Apply this antifungal cream 2 times a day to the affected areas of the feet.
    • Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.
  2. Keep the Feet Clean and Dry: Wash the feet two times every day. Dry the feet completely, especially between the toes. Then apply the cream. Wear clean socks and change them twice daily.
  3. Avoid Scratching: Scratching infected feet will delay healing.  Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.
  4. Contagiousness: The condition is not very contagious.  The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin. Adults with Athlete's Foot do not need to miss any school or work.  You can continue to play sports. The socks don't need to be boiled.
  5. Expected Course: With proper treatment, Athlete's Foot usually clears up in 3 to 4 weeks.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • The rash looks infected
    • Rash continues to spread after 1 week of treatment
    • Rash has not cleared after 4 weeks of treatment
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2003 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2003

Revised 7/2002

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