How To

How to Diagnose Athletes Foot

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm moist places. It is best to be diagnosed by a doctor so you don't mistake athlete's foot for another type of foot rash. If you don't treat the rash properly, you could make it worse. Follow these steps to diagnose athlete's foot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Check to see where the rash is located. Athlete's foot typically effects areas between toes. It can also spread to the soles of the feet or toenails.
Step 2

Notice if your feet are itching, burning, cracking, scaling, peeling or blistering. These are the symptoms of athlete's foot.
Step 3

Observe if blisters break and expose raw tissue, causing pain and swelling. As athlete's foot spreads, symptoms become more intense.
Step 4

Visit your doctor. He can diagnose athlete's foot by looking at it or examining scrapings of your cells under the microscope.
Step 5

See if the rash is located on other parts of your body, such as the armpits or groin. The fungus thrives in warm moist areas and can be spread by touching and scratching.

Tips & Warnings

Use an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or spray to treat athlete's foot. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral medication if the infection doesn't clear up.
Try not to scratch it because you can cause a secondary infection.
Don't share shower stalls with others if you think you have athlete's foot.
See a doctor immediately if signs of bacterial infection develop. These symptoms include fever, red lines coming from area, **** discharge or excessive pain and swelling.
Treat athlete's foot right away to keep it from spreading. Toenail infections can be difficult to treat.
If not treated properly, athlete's foot can reappear.