Athlete's foot
What is it?
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin and is very common among runners. The infection is often picked up from contaminated skin fragments in public places, such as shower facilities, changing rooms and gyms. The fungus grows in warm, moist environments, for example your trainers.
Causes
A number of things can make athlete's foot more likely, for example:
- not drying your feet properly after bathing or showering
- wearing trainers or socks made of material that doesn't allow sweat to evaporate
- having diabetes
- having a weakened immune system
Symptoms
Athlete's foot causes scaling of the skin, commonly between the toes and on the bottom of your feet. Sometimes the skin becomes dry and can be itchy. You may also have inflammation and blisters on the bottom of your feet.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for athlete's foot in the form of creams, lotions and medicated powders. Some antifungal treatments are available over-the-counter from a pharmacist, without a prescription. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
If over-the-counter treatments don't work, or your athlete's foot is severe then visit your GP. He or she may prescribe a stronger antifungal medicine.
Do
- wash your feet daily
- dry your feet well, especially in between your toes
- change socks daily
- wear trainers that keep your feet cool and dry
- wear flip flops in communal changing rooms and showers
Don't
- walk barefoot in communal changing rooms
- wear someone else's shoes
- share towels
- scratch infected skin, as you may spread the infection
Peer reviewed by Peter Pope, MCSP, Bupa Sports Medicine physiotherapist
Publication date: June 2009
