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May 21, 2013
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Athlete's Foot

Medical Author:
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Athlete's Foot Overview

Athlete's foot refers to a skin eruption that is confined to the foot, in both athletes and nonathletes. It may have many causes and can occur anywhere on the foot, including the sole, toe webs, and back of the foot.

"Athlete's foot" is a commonly used popular term that can refer to any skin inflammation of the foot in an athlete. While this frequently is a result of fungal infections, there are other causes that will also be reviewed below.

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See the Entire Athlete's Foot Topic Guide »

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Athlete's Foot - Cause

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Was the cause of your athlete's foot a condition (psoriasis, fungal infection, contact allergens) or poorly fitting shoes, sharing socks and shoes, or using public shower facilities?

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Athlete's Foot - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

How long did the symptoms of your athlete's foot last? Was there anything that helped with symptom relief?

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Athlete's Foot - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatment has been effective for your Athlete's Foot?

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Treatment Overview

How you treat athlete's foot(tinea pedis) depends on its type and severity. Most cases of athlete's foot can be treated at home using an antifungal medicine to kill the fungusor slow its growth.

  • Nonprescription antifungalsusually are used first. These include terbinafine(Lamisil AT), miconazole (Micatin), clotrimazole(Lotrimin AF), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). Nonprescription antifungals are applied to the skin (topical medicines).
  • Prescription antifungals may be tried if nonprescription medicines are not successful or if you have a severe infection. Some of these medicines are topical antifungals, which are put directly on the skin. Examples include naftifine (Naftin), butenafine (Mentax), and clotrimazole. Prescription antifungals can also be taken as a pill, which are called oral antifungals. Examples of oral antifungals include terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole(Sporanox), and fluconazole(Diflucan).

SOURCE:
Healthwise

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Tinea Pedis »

Tinea pedis has afflicted humanity for centuries, so it is perhaps surprising that the condition was notdescribed until Pellizzari did so in 1888.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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