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Condition · Skin and Nails
Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot)
Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It can cause itching, burning, redness, scaling, peeling, or moist skin between the toes and may make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.
At Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, our doctors have extensive experience diagnosing and treating tinea pedis. Because several skin conditions can resemble a fungal infection, treatment starts with determining whether fungus is actually present and identifying the type and extent of the infection.
Most cases of athlete’s foot can be successfully treated with topical antifungal care, and many patients improve with over-the-counter antifungal medications. More persistent or extensive infections may require prescription topical medications, oral antifungal medication, or additional treatments to control moisture and help prevent recurrence.
If you have persistent itching, burning, scaling, redness, or other changes to the skin of your feet, call our office or request an appointment online. We’ll determine what’s causing the problem and develop a treatment plan based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
At Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, our doctors have extensive experience diagnosing and treating tinea pedis. Because several skin conditions can resemble a fungal infection, treatment starts with determining whether fungus is actually present and identifying the type and extent of the infection.
Most cases of athlete’s foot can be successfully treated with topical antifungal care, and many patients improve with over-the-counter antifungal medications. More persistent or extensive infections may require prescription topical medications, oral antifungal medication, or additional treatments to control moisture and help prevent recurrence.
If you have persistent itching, burning, scaling, redness, or other changes to the skin of your feet, call our office or request an appointment online. We’ll determine what’s causing the problem and develop a treatment plan based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
What is tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)?
Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It can affect the bottoms and sides of the feet as well as the skin between the toes. Depending on the type of infection, tinea pedis may cause dry, scaling skin, itching, burning, redness, blistering, or moist skin between the toes.
Athlete’s foot can spread from person to person and is commonly associated with warm, moist environments. Without appropriate treatment, the infection may persist, recur, spread to other areas of the foot, or contribute to fungal toenail infections.
What are the symptoms of tinea pedis?
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the fungal infection and may include:
- Dry or scaling skin: The skin may become dry, flaky, peeling, or scaly.
- Itching: Persistent itching is common, particularly between the toes or along the bottom of the foot.
- Burning: The affected skin may feel irritated or have a burning sensation.
- Maceration: Excess moisture can cause the skin, particularly between the toes, to become soft, white, and macerated.
- Blistering: Some forms of tinea pedis can cause small fluid-filled blisters.
- Redness: Inflamed areas of skin may appear red or irritated.
- Raw or cracked skin: More advanced infections may cause painful cracks, erosions, or areas of raw skin.
How is tinea pedis diagnosed?
Tinea pedis is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive examination of the skin of the feet. Because eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions can sometimes resemble a fungal infection, confirming the correct diagnosis is important before treatment.
When needed, diagnostic testing may include a potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining of a skin specimen, or fungal culture to confirm the presence of fungus.
How is tinea pedis treated?
Treatment depends on the type, severity, and extent of the fungal infection. Most cases can be successfully managed with antifungal medication combined with measures to reduce moisture and prevent reinfection.
Treatment options
- Topical antifungal medications: Prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medications may be used to eliminate the fungal infection.
- Moisture and perspiration control: Medicated powders, antiperspirants such as Drysol, and other treatments may be recommended to keep the feet dry. In selected patients with excessive sweating, Botox injections may be considered.
- Domeboro soaks: Astringent soaks may help dry excessively moist or blistering skin and can be particularly useful for vesicular, ulcerative, or interdigital tinea pedis.
- Oral antifungal medication: More extensive, persistent, or difficult-to-treat infections may require oral antifungal medication such as terbinafine or, in selected cases, griseofulvin.
- Foot hygiene: Washing and thoroughly drying the feet daily, especially between the toes, and changing socks regularly can help control moisture and reduce recurrence.
- Avoiding barefoot exposure: Wearing appropriate footwear in public showers, locker rooms, swimming pool areas, and similar environments can reduce exposure to fungus.
- Shoes and socks: Keeping footwear dry and rotating or replacing contaminated shoes and socks when appropriate may help reduce reinfection.
Patient stories
"Great team Dr. Stewart is golden. I was terrified my toes were killing me. Dr and team put me at ease and rapidly adjusted the situation. I can’t recommend them enough. Would’ve given more stars if I could."
"I was able to get an appointment next day after a referral from my GP. Received far better advice, the correct prescription, and products to purchase myself. My one week check up appointment was today and am already doing so much better. Thanks TFAC!"
Athlete’s Foot, answered
What causes athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, locker rooms, public showers, and around swimming pools. Because it is contagious, it can spread to other areas of the foot or to other people.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot commonly causes itching, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. Some patients also develop painful fissures or blisters.
What is the best treatment for athlete's foot?
Most cases of athlete’s foot respond well to over-the-counter topical antifungal medications. Prescription-strength topical medications may be recommended for infections that do not respond to initial treatment, while more severe, persistent, or widespread infections may require oral antifungal medication. Keeping the feet dry and treating excessive perspiration when present can also help control the infection and reduce recurrence.
Can athlete's foot spread to my toenails?
Yes. If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread to the toenails and lead to a fungal nail infection, which is often more difficult to treat. Treating athlete's foot promptly and following a long-term maintenance plan may help reduce the risk of developing toenail fungus.
Why does my athlete's foot keep coming back?
Athlete’s foot can recur because the fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and exposure can occur through shoes, socks, locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas. Excessive foot perspiration can also increase the risk of recurrence. After the active infection has resolved, continued foot hygiene, moisture control, and periodic use of an antifungal cream may help reduce the risk of another infection.
Is athlete's foot dangerous if I have diabetes?
It can be. Cracked or broken skin caused by athlete's foot can allow bacteria to enter the foot and increase the risk of a more serious infection. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage should seek prompt evaluation rather than attempting prolonged self-treatment.
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