Athlete's Foot Symptoms

Athlete's foot symptoms are usually described as an itching and burning sensation on one or both of your feet. A fungal infection, athlete's foot is a very contagious condition that's spread through direct contact with an infected surface.

Athlete's foot tends to thrive in warm and moist environments, such as showers or sweaty sneakers. The fungus sits in these perfect environments, growing and waiting. The infection tends to start with the skin between the toes, and then can move on to other parts of the foot.

Athlete's Foot Symptoms

• Itching between the toes or around the foot can be a symptom of athlete's foot.

• A burning and stinging sensation between the toes or on the foot can be a symptom of athlete's foot.

• Cracked skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet can be a symptom of athlete's foot.

• Troubled toenails can be a symptom of athlete's foot. Your toenails may become discolored, dry or cracked as a sign of the fungal infection.

• Blisters may develop as a symptom of athlete's foot. These blisters may be itchy or pus filled. They tend to develop between the toes or on the soles of the feet.

Athlete's Foot Treatments

There are both over-the-counter and prescription anti-fungal medications available to help treat athlete's foot. Because it's such a common condition, almost any drug store will carry an athlete's foot treatment, be it powder, cream or ointment. In addition to medications, proper home care can help you speed along the healing process.

• Always wear socks and make sure to change them one to two times daily if you have athlete's foot. The socks will help prevent your shoes from carrying the infection and help keep your feet clean, dry and healthy.

• Dry your feet well after any shower, swimming or other wet activity. Because the fungus tends to thrive in moist environments, keeping your feet dry will give it less to thrive on. Make sure you get the skin between the toes, as this area is the most susceptible to athlete's foot.

• Keep your feet clean if you have athlete's foot. Wash and dry your feet well at least once a day. Cleaning your feet will help wipe away some of the fungus and prevent spreading the infection further.

• Wear loose shoes to prevent making the athlete's foot flare up. Tight shoes are an invitation to sweat and cramping, the perfect condition for the fungus that causes athlete's foot. Loose shoes, especially ones with open toes or other venting, help keep your feet cool and dry.