If you are a guy and grew up in the public school system, then there’s a good chance you’ve used a public shower at some point in your life—and most likely, you did so barefoot. Some guys have used public showers more often than others. If you played hockey, went to the gym regularly, or participated in varsity sports at university, chances are you’ve exposed your feet to some less-than-ideal conditions while trying to shower and “clean” yourself after a workout. As a result of these experiences, some of you may have developed what we call athlete’s foot. And if you haven’t had it, the odds are you know someone who has, or at least, you’ve heard of it. Nearly everyone is familiar with athlete’s foot, but what is it really?
The following sections will provide some helpful insights into what athlete’s foot is, what causes it, how to treat it, and debunk some common myths.
Understanding Athlete’s Foot
“My feet are burning and they are so itchy!” These are the two primary symptoms of athlete’s foot. If you also notice peeling skin on your toes or feet, or if the skin is cracking, causing pain and bleeding, there’s a good chance you are suffering from this condition. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot damages the skin on your feet, and when this skin damage occurs, bacteria often enter the broken skin, causing inflammation. This bacterial infection can lead to an unpleasant odor. Blisters are another common symptom of athlete’s foot. As these blisters break open, they expose raw skin, leading to more pain and swelling. As the infection spreads, the itching and burning sensation can increase. If left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to the soles of your feet and even your toenails. It can also spread to other areas of your body, such as the groin or underarms, if you scratch the infected area and then touch other parts of your body or through contaminated bedding or clothing.
Definition/Description:
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus (the well-known “ringworm fungus,” also called “tinea” in medical terms, with athlete’s foot being “tinea pedis”). The fungus responsible for athlete’s foot is called Trichophyton. Areas of the body that are warm, moist, and irritated, such as the feet, provide the ideal environment for this fungus to thrive and infect the skin’s upper layer. This “ringworm fungus” is commonly found on floors and in socks and clothing. The fungus can be passed from person to person through contact with these items. However, without the right conditions—moist, warm environments—the fungus cannot infect the skin. The term “ringworm” is often used by wrestlers because their training conditions and sweaty contact with others make it easy to spread the fungus within teams. Approximately 70% of the population will experience athlete’s foot at some point in their lives, both men and women. However, it is less common in women and children under the age of twelve. Since the fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, it’s no surprise that athlete’s foot is associated with swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms—places where the conditions are perfect for fungal growth.
It’s important to note that not all foot rashes are athlete’s foot. A physician should diagnose the rash before you attempt any treatments. Using non-prescription products on a rash that isn’t athlete’s foot could make the condition worse.
Causes of Athlete’s Foot
As mentioned, athlete’s foot is the result of a fungal infection, particularly affecting the skin between the toes. This fungus thrives on dead body tissue, such as the outer skin layer, hair, and nails. This issue is rare in those who usually go barefoot and in children.
Almost everyone carries some form of fungus on their skin, some of which are beneficial. However, the “ringworm” fungus that causes athlete’s foot only flourishes under optimal growth conditions, which include a damp, warm, irritated skin environment.
Factors that create these ideal conditions include sweaty feet, tight shoes (which prevent your feet from breathing), synthetic socks (which don’t absorb moisture well), a warm climate, and not drying your feet properly after swimming or bathing. All these contribute to the fungus flourishing, leading to athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot is often thought to be highly contagious, especially in places like locker rooms, public showers, and pools, where the conditions for growth are ideal. However, extensive research has found that it’s not as easy to catch athlete’s foot simply by walking barefoot on a contaminated, moist floor. Why some people develop athlete’s foot while others don’t remains a mystery.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment can be broken into two parts. Part 1 is the most important.
Part 1) Make the infected area less suitable for the fungus to grow. This can be achieved by keeping your feet clean and dry. Choose leather shoes or shoes made from breathable materials that allow good airflow to your feet. Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup. You can also buy moisture-wicking socks that draw sweat away from your feet. There are also many powders available to help keep your feet dry.
Part 2) Use anti-fungal creams on the affected area. There are several medications available, which you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about. Treatment usually takes around four weeks.
Alternative treatments include foot baths containing cinnamon, which has been shown to slow the growth of certain fungi. Tea tree oil and garlic are other well-known options for treating athlete’s foot.
If your athlete’s foot results in increased redness, swelling, bleeding, or if the infection isn’t clearing up, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. If a bacterial infection develops due to broken skin from the athlete’s foot, antibiotics may also be necessary.
By following a healthy diet, avoiding high-sugar foods, and practicing good personal hygiene—such as washing your feet daily, drying between your toes thoroughly, and keeping your feet dry—you can prevent the onset of athlete’s foot.
