Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition caused by a fungal infection. It affects areas between the toes, soles of the feet, and can spread to the toenails. Scratching the infected area then touching other areas of your body causes the fungus to spread. Funguses are tiny plant like germs that can grow and multiply in moist and warm environments such as locker rooms, public showers, pool surfaces, shoes, socks and other clothing. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread person-to-person or by coming in contact with the fungus. It is essential to distinguish athlete’s foot from other skin problems such as dermatitis or psoriasis.

The signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry skin, itching, burning, and peeling between the toes, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters can lead to cracking of the skin. When injury to the skin occurs, bacteria can grow and lead to a secondary bacterial infection. If the fungus spreads to the toenails, scaling, thickening, and discoloration of the nail can occur.

Treatment for simple cases of athlete’s foot includes preventing the fungus from growing by keeping the skin clean and dry. Over the counter (OTC) antifungal creams to relieve symptoms such as burning and itching may be recommended by your doctor. If the condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and self-care steps or if redness, increased swelling or bleeding occurs see your doctor. In more severe cases oral prescription medications may be required. If a bacterial infection occurs your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

·         Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition caused by a fungal infection.

·         Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread person-to-person or by coming in contact with the fungus. Scratching the infected area then touching other areas of your body causes the fungus to spread.

·         The foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands. Proper foot hygiene and self-care steps will decrease the chance of infection and reoccurrence of this condition.

Will I live longer if I have this treatment?

No, there is no evidence that treatment for athlete’s foot will lengthen your life.

Will the treatment of athlete’s foot improve my quality of life?

Yes, proper foot hygiene and self-care steps will decrease the chance of infection and reoccurrence of this condition.

Does the treatment of athlete’s foot make my symptoms better?

Yes, treatment can relieve the itching, burning and other symptoms associated with athlete’s Foot.

How safe is this for me?

How safe is treatment of athlete’s foot for me?

Medications:

For mild conditions, over the counter (OTC) antifungal creams or medicated powders may be purchased or recommended by your doctor. If the fungal infection is more severe or does not respond to the topical agents your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication.  Side effects from these medications may vary from person to person.

Minor reported complications (applies to OTC topical agents and oral prescriptions):

• Skin irritation, hives or burning not present before use of this medication
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, nausea
• Itchy rash

Major reported complications (applies only to oral prescriptions):

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the throat
• Low blood pressure
• Persistent nausea, anorexia, vomiting
• Fatigue
• Upper right abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Liver problems resulting in liver failure and death in rare cases

Alternative treatment (behavioral modification) includes:

• ·Practice good foot hygiene (daily washing with soap and water)
• Dry feet and between the toes thoroughly
• Use shower shoes in public showers
• Wear socks that keep your feet dry and change them frequently if you perspire heavily
• Wear light airy shoes

Prevention of infection by practicing good hygiene and early diagnosis can help control the cost of Athlete’s foot. If an infection occurs treatment can take several months and the cost can vary greatly. If your doctor recommends over the counter antifungal creams or medicated sprays the cost can range from $5 to $27 per product. Prescription drugs can range from $28.65 to $1, 210 per prescription.

The cost may or may not be covered by your health benefits plan.

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