Athlete's Foot (cont.)
Medical Author:
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAADDr. 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. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. 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. IN THIS ARTICLE
When to Seek Medical CareIf your athlete's foot inhibits your normal daily activities, you should seek medical attention. If it does not bother you and is only a cosmetic annoyance, then a visit to a medical professional may not be necessary. A simple fungal infection such as athlete's foot can become "super-infected" with bacteria. If this should happen, the rash will become increasingly painful and red. Your foot may become swollen, and you may develop blisters and even open sores in the infected area. These are indications that you may need oral antibiotics and will need to call your doctor. It is unlikely that athlete's foot would ever become severe enough that a trip to a hospital's emergency department is required. However, if you have diabetes or any other type of illness that will make it hard for your body to fight off an infection, athlete's foot may become an emergency. If you develop severe pain, redness, or swelling, notice a pus-like drainage, see large blisters or ulcers on your foot, or if you develop a fever, you should be seen as soon as possible by your doctor, who may direct you to an emergency department. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Athlete's Foot
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsAthlete's Foot - CauseThe 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? Athlete's Foot - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How long did the symptoms of your athlete's foot last? Was there anything that helped with symptom relief? Athlete's Foot - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment has been effective for your Athlete's Foot? |
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Tinea pedis has afflicted humanity for centuries, so it is perhaps surprising that the condition was notdescribed until Pellizzari did so in 1888.
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