Article

Athlete’s foot: symptoms and treatment

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot, also called foot fungus, is a fungal skin infection on the feet that appear as an itchy and scaly rash and is caused by different fungi (microorganisms). Commonly athletes foot occurs between the toes. Usually, athlete’s foot between toes begins in between the fourth and fifth toe. Athlete’s foot symptoms are rashes of scaly, peeling, or cracked skin, usually between the toes. In addition, it is common that the skin itches, burns and stings. Furthermore, fungal infection can lead to smelly feet.

Is athlete’s foot contagious?

Yes, the condition is contagious and can spread by direct or indirect contact. It can be transmitted if you touch the infected skin or through for example wet floors in public showers. The fungi thrive in environments that are warm and moist.

Athlete’s foot treatment

Below you can find some advice on how to get rid of athlete’s foot:

Use an athlete’s foot cream like Salvequick’s Foot Rescue Cream

Foot Rescue Cream is an all-in-one foot cream that treats and prevents dry feet, cracked heels, calluses, athlete’s foot and smelly feet – with clinically proven effect. The unique formula with the active ingredient 1,5-Pentanediol provides a strong moisturizing effect and supports the skin’s natural renewal process. In addition, the foot cream is antimicrobial and strengthens the feet’s natural barriers. Visible results in two weeks! 1,5-Pentanediol has a documented effect against bacteria, viruses, and fungus*, and helps to both prevent and treat these problems.

Use antifungal creams, gels, or powders

Antifungal creams are usually best suited for dry skin while gels could be useful if the skin is moist. Antifungal athlete’s foot powder is used inside socks and shoes, as a compliment or as prevention. In addition, there are creams with hydrocortisone that can help relieve the itchiness.

Ask a medical professional for help or advice if needed

In case of severe athlete’s foot, you may need prescription medicine and to seek medical attention. Also seek medical attention if your symptoms have not improved within a couple of weeks of using a non-prescription medicine or if a child younger than 10 years have symptoms of athlete’s foot.

How to prevent athlete’s foot

Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet, including in between the toes, frequently with a mild soap and running water. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes where it is a wet moist environment.
Wear slippers and do not walk barefoot in locker rooms, public showers, pool areas or other moist public areas.
Change your socks at least once a day. You should change them more often if you have been exercising, are in a hot environment or if your feet have become sweaty due to any other cause.
Use moisture-wicking socks made from natural fibres such as bamboo to promote evaporation.

Have several pair of shoes that you can alternate wearing every other day. This allows the shoes to dry out between use.
Use shoes that are not too tight.
Wear open-toed sandals in warm weather.
Wash your socks and, when possible, shoes and bedding at 60 degrees to kill the fungi.
Use Salvequick’s Foot Rescue Cream– an all-in-one foot cream that has a clinical proven effect to treat and prevent foot fungus.

Related products

Foot treatment

Foot Rescue Cream

100 ml

Sources

American Academy of Dermatology. How to prevent athlete’s foot. [2022-05-17]
Mayo Clinic (2022). Athlete’s foot. [2022-05-17]
National Health Service (2021). Athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot – NHS (www.nhs.uk) [2022-08-17]

* Kara Alsterholm M, Faergemann J (2009) In vitro activity of chlorhexidine and pentane-1,5-diol and their combination on Candida albicansmi N,, Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes. Acta Derm Venereol 89: 514-515.