Do I Have Athlete’s Foot?

Do you have itching, stinging, and burning between your toes or on soles of your feet?

Have you noticed that itching is the worst right after you take off your shoes and socks?

Do you have cracking and peeling skin between your toes and on soles of your feet?

Do you have small, red, itchy blisters on your feet?

Do you have areas of raw skin on your feet?

Do you have discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails or toenails that are pulled away from the nail bed?

Are you a man?

Do you often wear damp socks or tight fitting shoes?

Do you have a family member with athlete's foot?

Do you walk barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms, saunas or swimming pools?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet (a scaly red rash) that commonly occurs between the toes. Athlete's foot symptoms may be similar to those of eczema and dry skin, so if you have a rush or itchy skin, or any kind of skin problem do not hesitate to contact your doctor or a dermatologist to assess your symptoms. There are some useful tips that can help you avoid athlete’s foot: keep your feet dry, especially between your toes, change your socks daily and wear waterproof sandals around public pools and lockers rooms.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have athlete’s foot. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a contagious fungal infection of your feet and typically begins in between the toes. The infection can be spread on your toenails and your hands (especially if you scratch the infected areas on your feet). This condition is common in athletes, therefore the name of the disease. Athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medication and prescription meds. This condition is not serious but if you have diabetes and suspect you have athlete’s foot, you need to contact your doctor immediately to prevent potential complications.