Athlete’s foot causes bumps, skin fissures, and red, itchy scales. It is spread by direct skin contact or contact with items where the fungi thrive: pools, showers, and shoes.
Athletes are not the only people who can get athlete’s foot. It can infect anyone. In this article, you will learn more about athlete’s foot symptoms, how to diagnose it, and the best treatment options.
Athlete’s Foot Symptoms
Athlete’s foot is an uncomfortable foot infection that can affect only a tiny area of the foot and toes, or it can cover the majority of the foot and toes. The symptoms include a red, itchy rash that includes peeling skin, scales, or skin fissures between the toes or on the side of the feet.
More severe infections can include oozing or crusted blisters and small pimple-like bumps.
If the infection spreads to the toenails, they will become thickened, discolored, and can even break down and crumble.
Other Conditions That Cause Bumps on the Feet
Athlete’s foot is not the only condition that causes bumps on the feet. Here are other conditions that cause foot bumps:
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop near joints or tendons. They are usually harmless and don’t need intervention unless they start to hurt, grow, or become infected.
Plantar warts are bumps on the bottom of the foot caused by the papillomavirus. They have a scaly appearance with black/purple dots.
Plantar fibromas are bumps or nodules of fibrous tissue embedded in the plantar fascia. Treatment may be needed if they are fast growing or painful. They are both rare and benign (not cancer-causing).
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, is a type of eczema that causes tiny, fluid-filled blisters on the hands or feet. The area can feel itchy and burn.
Diagnosis
Many cases of athlete’s foot are diagnosed entirely by appearance. A healthcare provider will look at the skin and determine if the rash is indeed athlete’s foot. If there is uncertainty, the healthcare provider can order a few types of tests to help determine the cause of the rash. Testing could include:
KOH test Skin culture Skin biopsy
Treatment
Athlete’s foot can typically be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders. Look for powders or creams that contain Micatin (miconazole), Aftate (tolnaftate), Lamisil (terbinafine), or Lotrimin (clotrimazole). To prevent the athlete’s foot from returning, keep using the medicine for one to two weeks after the infection has gone away.
While medication can be very effective at treating athlete’s foot, here are more ways to help get rid of athlete’s foot:
Clean and dry feet and toes thoroughlyWash feet twice a dayUse lamb’s wool to add extra space between the toes to keep them dryWear shoes that offer plenty of ventilationWear clean, dry socksWear sandals at pools and public showers
If home treatment does not help in two to four weeks, then it’s time to contact a healthcare provider. They may prescribe an oral antifungal medication or a prescription cream to go on the skin.
Risk Factors and Complications
Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing athlete’s foot:
Family history of athlete’s footDecreased immune systemPoor circulation in the legsAllergies and eczemaParticipating in certain sports (like swimming, diving, and running)
A complication of athlete’s foot is a serious bacterial infection. Thankfully, this is rare and only in serious cases of athlete’s foot.
Prevention
Preventing athlete’s foot takes only a little bit of time and can keep that bumpy, painful, and itchy rash away.
One of the best prevention techniques is to avoid walking barefoot in public areas that tend to be damp or wet. This includes pools, locker rooms, and showers. Keep feet clean and dry. Toenails should be cut short and kept clean.
Keeping feet dry can help prevent the fungi that cause athlete’s foot from growing. Change wet socks and wear shoes that allow plenty of ventilation.
Summary
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash, blisters, and bumps on the feet and toes. A healthcare provider and dermatologist can diagnose athlete’s foot based on its appearance. In some cases, healthcare providers may need to do additional testing to rule out other types of infections.
Home treatment for athlete’s foot includes over-the-counter creams and powders. If the rash doesn’t improve, a healthcare provider can prescribe oral or topical medication.
To prevent athlete’s foot, keep your feet dry and avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms, pools, and public showers.
A Word From VeryWell
Athlete’s foot is an incredibly uncomfortable rash that causes bumps, skin peeling, and itchiness. However, many different types of rashes can have similar symptoms.
Contact a healthcare provider to get a definitive diagnosis and start prompt treatment. While you have the infection, keep your feet dry and clean. Don’t let your skin touch other people’s skin, and avoid using public showers or pools.
