Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a contagious fungal infection caused by ringworm. Ringworm is not actually a worm. It is so-named because it can cause a ring-shaped, red, itchy rash on the skin.
Mild cases of athlete's foot usually go away with treatment within 2 weeks. But more serious infections or infections that affect the toenails may require treatment for several weeks or more.
Treatment to kill athlete's foot (tinea pedis) includes:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal products available as creams, lotions, powders, gels, ointments, foams, and solutions to kill the athlete’s foot fungus
- Azole antifungals
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- Econazole (Ecoza)
- Efinaconazole (Jublia)
- Ketoconazole
- Luliconazole (Luzu)
- Miconazole (Micatin, Zeasorb)
- Oxiconazole (Oxistat)
- Sertaconazole (Ertaczo)
- Sulconazole (Exelderm)
- Azole antifungals
- Allylamines
- Naftifine (Naftin)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
- Benzylamine
- Butenafine (Mentax)
- Other
- Chronic or extensive tinea pedis may require oral antifungals
- Terbinafine (Lamisil tablets)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG)
- Chronic tinea pedis may require adjunctive therapy such as foot powder or talcum powder to prevent skin softening
What Are Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) affects the skin as well as the fingernails and toenails. The symptoms of athlete’s foot appear between 4 to 14 days after coming into contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- Ring-shaped rash
- Skin redness
- Itching
- Red, swollen, peeling, itchy skin between the toes
- Scaly, cracked skin
- Soles, heels, and toenails may also be affected
- Skin on the feet may blister in severe cases
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is usually caused by human dermatophytes, a type of fungus transmitted by direct contact with human ringworm sores. Ringworm may also be acquired from the soil or through exposure to animals (commonly household pets).
Risk factors for developing athlete’s foot include:
- Athletes involved in contact sports, such as wrestling
- Use of public showers or locker rooms
- Excessive sweating in tight shoes
- Living in a warm, humid climate
- Close contact with affected animals such as household pets
- Working with soil that has ringworm fungus
- Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with a person who is infected
- Close contact with a person who is infected
- People who have a weakened immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS, cancer, chemotherapy, diabetes, or certain medications)
How Is Athlete’s Foot Diagnosed?
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is usually diagnosed with a physical examination of the affected skin.
Tests that may be used to diagnose athlete’s foot include:
- Skin scraping to be examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture
- Ultraviolet light: can only diagnose two species: Microsporum canis and audouinii
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https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/index.html
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dermatophyte-tinea-infections?search=athletes%20foot%20treatment§ionRank=2&usage_type=default&anchor=H1217398057&source=machineLearning&selectedTitle=1~102&display_rank=1#H1217398057
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/athletes-foot.html