How Does Athlete's Foot Develop?

Developing Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common skin infection. Contrary to the name, the condition is not limited to athletes. Anyone can contract athlete's foot. In order to develop athlete's foot, two things must happen. First a person must come into contact with the fungus that causes athlete's foot. Second, the right environment must be provided for the fungus to grow in.

Contracting the Athlete's Foot Fungus

Because athlete's foot is a common condition, it can be easy to come into contact with the fungus that causes athlete's foot by walking barefoot in a place where another person who has athlete's foot had walked. People also can get athlete's foot by sharing socks, shoes, towels or bedding with a person who has athlete's foot. The most common ways that athlete's foot is spread is by showering barefoot in a public shower, walking barefoot by a public swimming pool or going to a nail salon for a pedicure. Athlete's foot fungus is common in those three areas because of the large amount of people who walk barefoot in those areas.

Conditions Required for the Athlete's Fungus to Thrive

Coming into contact with the athlete's foot fungus alone is not enough to cause athlete's foot to develop. The fungus needs a warm and moist environment to grow and thrive. Sweaty feet in a pair of socks and closed shoes create the prime environment for athlete's foot fungus to grow in.

Symptoms

Athlete's foot is a skin infection that is usually diagnosed by sight. The symptoms of athlete's foot range from scaly skin (usually between the toes), itchy skin, blistering of the skin or redness. Not every person will necessarily experience all of the symptoms. Advanced cases of athlete's foot can spread to the toenails, making them look thick and yellow.

Treatment

Treatment involves the use of an anti-fungal cream that is applied topically. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams marketed for athlete's foot are available from most drugstores. If a cream does not get rid of the condition, a doctor can prescribe a stronger cream. When treating athlete's foot, wash hands after touching the feet, socks and shoes to help prevent reinfection and spread of the infection to others.

Prevention

To reduce the likelihood of developing athlete's foot, certain precautions can be taken: Wear shoes in public areas; don't share socks, shoes or towels with others; change socks daily, more often if feet get sweaty; and allow shoes to fully dry between use.

Resources

• American Podiatric Medical Association