Itchy Feet? Athlete’s Foot Is Common and Treatable, but Don’t Ignore It

A column in the Daily Mail this week warned that an itchy foot could be a sign of a “deadly” infection. The condition it describes, athlete’s foot, is real and common.

The good news is that it can usually be treated with creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, according to Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). But it is unlikely to get better on its own, and some people need to see a doctor.

Key points:

• Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that spreads easily in showers and changing rooms.
• The main sign is itchy white patches between the toes.
• Pharmacy treatments usually work within a few weeks.
• People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should see a doctor.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a form of ringworm. Despite the name, it is caused by fungi, not a worm, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.

It spreads by walking barefoot where an infected person has walked, especially in changing rooms and showers, and through shared towels, socks, or shoes. It is more likely if your feet are wet or sweaty, or if the skin is damaged, according to the NHS and the CDC.

What Are the Signs?

The most common sign is itchy white patches between the toes. Feet can also become sore, flaky, or cracked, and sometimes bleed or form small blisters. Redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin. If it is not treated, the infection can spread to the toenails, the NHS says.

How Is It Treated?

Antifungal creams, sprays and powders from a pharmacy usually take a few weeks to work, and you may need to try more than one. The CDC warns against using creams that contain steroids on a rash that could be ringworm, because they can make it worse.

When Should You See a Doctor?

The NHS advises seeing a doctor if:

• pharmacy treatments do not work;
• you are in a lot of pain;
• your foot or leg is hot, painful and red, which could be a more serious infection;
• the infection spreads to other parts of the body, such as the hands;
• you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

In his column, UK podiatrist Jonathan Brocklehurst said that untreated cases can lead to broken skin and, especially in people with diabetes, foot ulcers.

How Can You Prevent It?

• Dry your feet well after washing, especially between the toes.
• Wear clean socks every day. Cotton socks are best.
• Wear flip-flops in changing rooms and public showers.
• Do not share towels, socks or shoes.
• Do not wear the same shoes more than two or three days in a row.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Sources:

• NHS: Athlete’s foot
• CDC: Ringworm Basics
• Daily Mail: How your itchy foot could be a sign of a deadly infection

You might also want to read: Gym Member Gets Severe Ringworm Infection From Shared Equipment