Perfect Athlete's Foot Treatment, Causes & Symptoms

October 25, 2017

Athlete's Foot Treatment, Causes & Symptoms

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection caused by the dermatophyte fungi which are the ringworm fungi (tinea). The infection can occur anywhere on the body but commonly infects the feet due to the warm, moist and dark environment.

Breeding grounds for the fungus include swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. The infection was common among athletes who use these facilities frequently and so the term “athlete’s foot” became popular.

The truth is you do not have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot, in fact it is estimated that near 70% of the population will be infected with tinea pedis at some time in their lives.

Tables of Content:


  • Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
  • There are three types of Athlete’s Foot
  • Toe web infection
  • Moccasin-type Infection
  • Vesicular Infection
  • Possible complications of Athlete’s Foot
  • How to treat Athlete’s Foot
  • When to seek medical treatment for athlete’s foot 
  • Doctors that treat athlete’s foot
  • Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
  • Vinegar
  • Tea tree oil
  • Baking soda
  • Lysol
  • Beta-dine
  • Ice
  • Antiperspirant sprays
  • Mouthwash
  • Athlete’s Foot Spread to Hands
  • Athlete’s Foot – Dangerous for the Diabetic
  • Athletes Foot – Why So Serious?
  • The Invasion
  • More Problems
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms Of Athlete’s Foot | There Are Three Types Of Athlete’s Foot


Toe Web Infection

This is the most common type of athlete’s foot and usually occurs between the two smallest toes but can occur between any set of toes or all of them.

This type begins with skin that feels soft and moist and can have some itching and burning involved. It may become dangerous if not handled and can grow over the foot to other toes and start to go up the foot.

Toe web infection

Moccasin-Type Infection

A long lasting(chronic) infection. This may begin with minor irritation, dryness, itching and burning but will progress to a thickened, scaling, cracked and peeling skin on the sole of the foot or heel.

In some severe cases the toenails become infected and can thicken, crumble and fall off. This type can also appear in the palm of a hand.

Moccasin-type Infection

Vesicular Infection

This is the least typical type of sickness and begins with a swift burst of large fluid-filled areas under the skin. The injuries often occur on the skin of the instep, however, can also happen within the toes, on the heel or on the sole of top of the foot.

Occasional re occurrence can happen after the initial infection. The infection may occur in the same area or in another area such as the arms, chest or fingers. Scaly skin may be present between outbreaks.

Vesicular Infection

Possible Complications Of Athlete’s Foot

The complications of athlete’s foot include the potential, if untreated, to spread to other parts of the body or other people mainly your family members. The fungus may spread to your legs, toenails, hands, fingernails, and essentially any body area.

Infection of bacteria can occur due to the injury of the skin by the fungus. The natural protective barrier is broken and bacteria and yeasts can enter and the broken skin and cause bad smell, or an inflammation known as cellulitis.
  • Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is very likely
  • Secondary bacterial infections
  • Groin fungus (tinea cruris)
  • Body skin fungus (tinea corporis)

How To Treat Athlete’s Foot | Treatments Can Be Divided Into Two Parts


The first step in treatment is to make the infected area less suitable for the athletes foot fungus to grow. This means keeping the area clean and dry with good hygiene. Use cotton socks whenever possible and remove shoes and let the feet breathe.

The second part of treatment is the use of topical antifungal creams and external medications. Treatment should be continued for at least four weeks and performed daily.

Prevention Of Infections Of Athlete’s Foot

Avoid walking barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, pool decks, etc. Sandals or some form of footwear should be worn at all times.
Do not share footware and avoid rental footwear, such as bowling shoes or roller skates.

If rental equipment is used or any of the conditions mentioned above unavoidable, clean and powder feet as soon as possible after the occurrence.

Prevention of infections of athlete’s foot

When To Seek Medical Treatment For Athlete’s Foot

If the infection is not clearing up and increased swelling and redness or bleeding are present, see your health care practitioner. Bacterial infection may also be occurring which makes it necessary for an antibiotic pill to counteract the infection.

If fungal nail is present or you are a diabetic or have a compromised immune system, you should also see your physician for treatment.

Doctors That Treat Athlete’s Foot

Dermatologists are skin disorder specialists and can treat athlete’s foot. Family medical physicians, pediatricians, podiatrists (foot doctors) and other practitioners may also treat this common infection.

Doctors that treat athlete’s foot

Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot

Having athlete’s foot may not just be an irritating problem but also an embarrassing one as well. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that loves to grow in skin where there is plenty of moisture.
Fungus lives and thrives in moisture thus it is important to note that home remedies for athlete’s foot are based on taking away moisture as well as killing the fungus.

Here are some effective home remedies for athlete’s foot:


Vinegar Treatment For Athlete's Foot

Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for this skin disorder. Soak clean feet in one part apple cider vinegar and one part water for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Rinse feet afterwards and dry feet completely taking special attention to dry in between the toes.


Tea Tree Oil For Athlete's Foot

This type of oil has antifungal properties that instantly kill fungus. Look for tea tree oil brands in pharmacies and apply accordingly.

Tea Tree Oil For Athlete's Foot

Baking Soda For Athlete's Foot

After washing feet and drying completely, apply baking soda and let it stay onto skin. Baking soda not only dries the skin but also deodorizes the feet as well.

You may also use baking soda as a paste; combine one part water and one part baking soda, mix to become a paste and apply all over the feet.

Apply this home remedy for athlete’s foot in between the toes as well. You may also sprinkle baking soda on feet before you put on your shoes or socks.

Baking Soda For Athlete's Foot

Lysol For Athlete's Foot

Lysol is a known brand that kills bacteria and viruses on contact; it can also kill fungus as well. Spray onto feet and leave it on for about 15 to 30 minutes; spray liberally on shoes frequently worn.


Betadine For Athlete's Foot

This is a well known antiseptic solution to clean wounds; this may also be used as a home remedy for athlete’s foot. Use warm water to soak your feet in, add 2 teaspoons of Betadine. Soak your feet for 15 to 30 minutes.

You may repeat this as often as you want in a day. Rinse feet and dry completely afterwards. Apply cornstarch powder or baking soda on feet and in between toes.

Betadine For Athlete's Foot


Ice For Athlete's Foot

Ice or cold compresses may offer temporary relief from severe itching and burning that is common in feet with athlete’s foot.

You may also soak your feet in cold water as well but don’t forget to dry completely afterwards.

Ice For Athlete's Foot

Antiperspirant sprays For Athlete's Foot

You may use underarm deodorant sprays that may contain antiperspirant properties. Spray the product liberally onto toes and the bottom part of the feet.
You may also spray it inside the linings of shoes as well.

Antiperspirant sprays For Athlete's Foot

Mouthwash For Athlete's Foot

Some people who have had athlete’s foot to use mouthwash as feet soaks. Use a small basin full of warm water, place a cup full of antiseptic mouthwash and soak feet for more than 15 to 30 minutes.

The cool fresh feeling of the mouthwash can reduce itching and inflammation plus after regular use can ultimately relive athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot Spread to Hands

Athlete’s foot fungus thrives in dark, moist and warm conditions. No wonder it is typically found causing great discomfort to the feet. Usually found along the soles of the feet, the area between the toes and sometimes the toenails become infected, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is not choosy about where it grows.

It also has the ability to spread to other areas of the body. The fact that the infection becomes incredibly itchy and the hands are usually used to do the itching, the fungus commonly spreads to the hands.

When this occurs the medical term for the problem is tinea manuum. It is possible for the fungus to spread to other areas of the body as well especially if other areas are touched with the hands after itching.
Athlete’s Foot Spread to Hands

With that said it is very important to have good hygiene practices to have a chance of clearing up the problem.

Wash your hands on a regular basis, preferably with anti-fungal soap. Make sure your feet are washed and dried and treated every day without fail.

The majority of athlete’s foot cases get out of hand because they are not dealt with when the first signs appear.  Since the area where the problem usually starts is the feet, which tend to be a breeding ground for the fungus, the infection gets a chance to quickly get out of control. if you have dry skin then this is for you visit link!

As the problem persists, inconsistent attempts are made to cure the problem and the inconsistency of the applications of antifungal treatment allows the problem to spread and get more out of control.

Consistency is the key, even after it seems like the ringworm infection is gone. Keep applying the medication you are using for a couple of weeks after the problem seems to have cleared up.


Athlete’s Foot – Dangerous for the Diabetic


Athletes Foot – Why So Serious?

This common but persistent condition is considered a nuisance to most people but can become a more serious problem to anyone if not treated correctly. To the diabetic however, it is always a serious matter and extremely important to have early diagnosis and effective treatment.

One of the reasons diabetics are susceptible to infection and disease is their immune system is less able to counter the attack. The diabetic has a better chance of getting athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and other fungal type infections then someone without diabetes due to the bodies inability to fight off the problem.

Athlete’s Foot – Dangerous for the Diabetic

The Invasion

Once the infection has invaded the skin and started to attack the area of entry another problem occurs for the diabetic. In many diabetes cases there has been nerve damage from the years of wear and tear on the body.

This makes it harder for the diabetes sufferer to recognize the symptoms of a foot disorder when it first starts. With a problem like athletes foot, if the symptoms are recognized early and treated consistently with an effective anti fungal medication, in most cases it can be cured.

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Dangerous for the Diabetic

More Problems

Last but not least there is again one more reason why these minor infections are major problems for the diabetic. The process of healing the infected area is hindered as the reduced blood flow to the extremities does not keep a fresh supply of blood circulating to replenish the blood in the affected area.

People without diabetes have fresh blood circulating to the leg, feet and other extremities, cleansing and replenishing blood from the affected areas.

Because the diabetic does not have this normal blood flow it increases the odds of a more serious infection and conditions such as gangrene developing.

This is one of the reasons why consistent inspections of the feet and extremities is vital to a diabetics health.


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