Symptoms and Signs of Athlete's Foot

Doctor's Notes on Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot refers to almost any inflammatory skin disease that affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes. It most often causes a red, raw-appearing rash with small blisters. Fungal infections are a frequent cause. The medical term for fungal athlete's foot is tinea pedis. Fungi that cause athlete's foot can be contracted in areas such as locker rooms, swimming pools, gyms, communal showers, nail salons, and from contaminated socks and clothing from someone with the infection. They can also be spread directly from person to person.

Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include a red rash, dry skin, itching, stinging, and burning pain. Other associated symptoms can include peeling skin, cracking, blister formation, or the development of fissures.