By the time you notice the scaling skin, it's already dividing enough to spread itself by flaky skin. If you have scaling, flakes of skin coming off your feet, it's trying to spread itself so it's contagious. 3 weeks . Most cases of athletes feet when treated correctly are gone in 3 weeks.
Full Answer
Can athletes foot be cured?
Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection of the feet. Despite the name, it doesn’t just affect athletes. Anyone who comes into contact with fungi can also get this infection. Athlete’s foot is not serious and can be treated easily with antifungal medicines.
Does athletes foot go away?
With proper diagnosis and treatment, your athlete’s foot should go away in one to eight weeks. And be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. It’s important to finish your full course of medicine, too. During the early healing stages, itchiness and irritation will fade.
Can athlete's foot spread to your other body parts?
Athlete's foot can spread if you scratch the itch and then touch other parts of your body, including your groin (jock itch) and the skin under your arms. It can also spread to other parts of your body via contaminated sheets or clothing. The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in dark, damp places.
How to treat athlete's foot?
This rash isn’t dangerous but can be annoying and itchy. The simplest and most effective treatment for the athlete’s foot is an over-the-counter antifungal cream, which usually clears the rash within 2 weeks. But there are some home remedies too ...
Is athlete's foot contagious while being treated?
Athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes. You can also spread it from the foot to other parts of the body, especially if you scratch or pick the infected parts of your foot.
Is athlete's foot contagious through socks?
Perpetually damp areas like locker rooms, bathroom floors, showers, and swimming pools are prime breeding grounds for the fungi. They can also live in socks, shoes, and towels, all of which have a tendency to remain moist. Someone with athlete's foot should never share shoes or socks as the infection can spread easily.
How long does athlete's foot take to cure?
With proper diagnosis and treatment, your athlete's foot should go away in one to eight weeks. And be sure to follow your healthcare provider's instructions. It's important to finish your full course of medicine, too.
Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have athlete's foot?
You do not have to throw away your shoes if you have athlete's foot unless they were worn without socks, have dirt in them, or you have another skin reaction to the material or color dyes.
Is athlete's foot contagious in bed?
Sharing towels, sheets, clothing, or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot also can spread the infection.
Can you get athlete's foot from sharing a bed?
Try to avoid brushing your foot against your partner's if you share the same bed. Wearing socks to bed can help prevent transmission of the fungus. Even if you avoid contact, your partner can still develop athlete's foot if you walk around the house barefoot.
How long does athlete's foot fungus live on surfaces?
Fungus is already a difficult infection to get rid of, and what surprises many people is that fungus can live in your shoes for up to 20 months. Thus, continuously treating your shoes throughout treatment is essential.
What are the stages of athlete's foot?
The early signs of athlete's foot are patches or fissures (deep breaks or slits), especially between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may turn red, become itchy, and appear moist. Small blisters may spread out across the foot, breaking to expose raw fissures that are painful and may swell.
What kills athlete's foot instantly?
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill the fungus on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds.
Can toenail fungus spread through bed sheets?
If you share a bed with another person, the fungus may transfer to them via shared linens. Wearing clean socks to bed and washing sheets regularly minimizes transmission risk.
Can Athlete's foot survive in the washing machine?
Washing Clothing, Bedding, and Towels in Hot Water: The athlete's foot fungus will survive a trip through the washing machine if you use cold water to clean your clothes. In fact, it only dies if clothing and other items are washed in 140F water.
Can Athlete's foot live in carpet?
Athlete's Foot and Carpet Cleaning Fungus can live in shoes and carpets for years in spore form. Simply vacuuming or mopping the area periodically cannot adequately protect you from fungus tracked in from the gym, public pool or flaked off by a host.
How to get rid of athlete's foot?
Thoroughly washing and drying feet. Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers. Using shower shoes in public showers . Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe. Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot. Symptoms. Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes.
Can athlete's foot spread to the bottom of the foot?
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Can a podiatrist treat athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options.
Can athlete's foot cause itching?
The most common place for this condition to develop is between the toes, which may cause severe itching. The skin may become dry and flaky, and many patients notice a burning or stinging sensation.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.
What are the risk factors for athlete's foot?
You are at higher risk of athlete's foot if you: Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection. Walk barefoot in public areas where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths and showers.
Why do athletes get foot itch?
Causes. Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch . Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
What causes a rash on the bottom of the foot?
It can cause a scaly rash that may itch, sting or burn. Moccasin-type athlete's foot can cause cracking, peeling or excessive dryness on the bottoms or sides of the feet. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes.
What causes a rash on the toes?
Athlete's foot usually causes a scaly red rash. The rash typically begins in between the toes. Itching is often the worst right after you take off your shoes and socks.
Can you treat athlete's foot with a ringworm?
Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but the infection often recurs. Prescription medications also are available.
Can athlete's foot spread to other parts of the body?
Your athlete's foot infection can spread to other parts of your body, including: Your hand. People who scratch or pick at the infected parts of their feet may develop a similar infection in one of their hands . Your nails.
Can athlete's foot cause eczema?
The moccasin variety of athlete's foot causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up the side of the foot. It can be mistaken for eczema or dry skin. The infection can affect one or both feet and can spread to your hand — especially if you scratch or pick at the infected parts of your feet.
How to treat athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. Or course, you should see your doctor if over-the-counter medicine does not work, if you think you are developing a secondary bacterial infection, or if you have severe pain in your feet. After researching the available options, the medication we recommend is a 100 percent natural formula called H-Athlete’s Foot Formula. It contains homeopathic ingredients and essential oils that relieve the itching and discomfort of athlete’s foot while killing the fungus that causes the condition. To learn more about our top recommended treatment for athlete’s foot, just follow the link. Make sure to keep your feet dry and take steps to prevent re-infection during the treatment process.
Why do athletes get athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot is caused by a type of fungus known as ringworm. You can get ringworm anywhere on your body, but when it appears on the foot it is often referred to as athlete’s foot. That’s because athletes often pick it up walking around barefoot on warm, wet locker room floors.
What is the best medicine for athlete's foot?
After researching the available options, the medication we recommend is a 100 percent natural formula called H-Athlete’s Foot Formula. It contains homeopathic ingredients and essential oils that relieve the itching and discomfort of athlete’s foot while killing the fungus that causes the condition.
Is it okay to go barefoot?
Going barefoot at home is fine, as it allows your feet to air out. Be cautious about going barefoot in public places, though. Don’t share personal items like shoes or towels, since athlete’s foot can be spread that way.
Can athlete's foot cause a rash on the toes?
Athlete’s foot causes an itchy red rash on the feet. You can get it on both feet at once or just on one foot. It is often especially bad between the toes. The rash may be circular in appearance. The skin may become scaly and it might even crack and bleed. Skin ulcers, or sores, may develop on the feet.
Can you get a sore on your foot?
Skin ulcers, or sores, may develop on the feet. If that happens, your feet can hurt a lot. You can also get a secondary bacterial infection if you develop sores on your feet. If you develop signs of infection, like increasing redness, swelling, oozing from the sores, fever, or severe pain, see your doctor.
Can you catch athlete's foot?
It is very easy to catch an athlete’s foot. We’ll tell you how it is spread, how to prevent catching it (or spreading it to others), and how to treat it if you do happen to catch it. We’ll let you know about our top recommended athlete’s foot medicine, too.
How to treat athlete's foot?
These tips can help you ease the symptoms of athlete's foot or avoid a recurrence: 1 Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Go barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you're home. Dry between your toes after a bath or shower. 2 Change socks regularly. If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day. 3 Wear light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber. 4 Alternate pairs of shoes. Don't wear the same pair every day so that you give your shoes time to dry after each use. 5 Protect your feet in public places. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and lockers rooms. 6 Treat your feet. Use OTC antifungal product as directed daily. For example, creams may be applied to dry feet twice a day and used for a week even after the rash is gone. 7 Try not to scratch the rash. You can try soothing your itchy feet by soaking them in cool water. 8 Don't share shoes. Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.
What doctor can diagnose athlete's foot?
Preparing for your appointment. Your primary care doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose athlete's foot. You don't need any special preparations for an appointment to diagnose athlete's foot.
How to get rid of a swollen foot?
Wear light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber. Alternate pairs of shoes. Don't wear the same pair every day so that you give your shoes time to dry after each use.
How to get rid of itchy feet?
For example, creams may be applied to dry feet twice a day and used for a week even after the rash is gone. Try not to scratch the rash. You can try soothing your itchy feet by soaking them in cool water. Don't share shoes. Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.
Overview
Symptoms
- Athlete's foot can affect one or both feet. Common signs and symptoms are: 1. Scaly, peeling or cracked skin between the toes 2. Itchiness, especially right after taking off shoes and socks 3. Inflamed skin that might appear reddish, purplish or grayish, depending on your skin color 4. Burning or stinging 5. Blisters 6. Dry, scaly skin on the bottom of the foot that extends up the side
Causes
- Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungi (dermatophytes) that cause ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth. Athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes. You can also spread it from the foot t…
Risk Factors
- You are at higher risk of athlete's foot if you: 1. Frequently wear enclosed footwear 2. Sweat heavily 3. Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection 4. Walk barefoot in public areas where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths and showers
Complications
- The athlete's foot infection can spread to other warm, moist parts of the body. Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that results in athlete's foot. It's common for the infection to spread from the feet to the groin because the fungus can travel on hands or towels. Athlete's foot can sometimes lead to bacterial infections.
Prevention
- These tips can help you avoid athlete's foot or avoid spreading it to others: 1. Let your feet air out.When you can, wear sandals to let your feet air out as much as possible. 2. Wash your feet daily.Use warm, soapy water and rinse and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply a medicated foot powder (Tinactin, Gold Bond, others) or other medicated powder (Lotrim…