Are You Sick?

Athlete's Foot

Is this your symptom?

An itchy rash or white patches between the toes
Red, sore and flaky patches of skin on the feet
Cracked and/or bleeding skin between the toes
Skin infection caused by a fungus

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes
The rash itches and burns
With itching, the rash becomes raw and weepy
Often also involves the insteps of the feet
Unpleasant foot odor
Mainly in adults and teens.

Cause of Athlete's Foot

A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin

When to Call for Athlete's Foot

When to Call for Athlete's Foot
	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours Pus is draining from the rash Foot is very painful You have a fever and foot looks infected (redness, pus, tender to touch) You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours Rash or redness has spread to the top of the foot Rash is not getting better after 1 week on treatment You have a weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids, diabetes, kidney problems. Rash not gone (clear) after 2 weeks of treatment You have other questions or concerns	Self Care at Home Mild athlete's foot

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Pus is draining from the rash
Foot is very painful
You have a fever and foot looks infected (redness, pus, tender to touch)
You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

Rash or redness has spread to the top of the foot
Rash is not getting better after 1 week on treatment
You have a weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids, diabetes, kidney problems.
Rash not gone (clear) after 2 weeks of treatment
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Mild athlete's foot

Care Advice

What You Should Know About Athlete's Foot:
- Athlete's foot is common in adults and teens.
- It's caused by a fungus that grows best on warm, damp skin.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Anti-Fungal Cream:
- Use an anti-fungal cream (such as Lotrimin), spray or powder. No prescription is needed.
- Use 2 times per day.
- Put it on the rash and 1 inch (25 mm) beyond its borders.
- Continue using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
Keep the Feet Dry:
- Rinse the feet 2 times per day.
- Dry your feet after washing them. Be sure to dry between the toes. Blot them dry rather than rubbing them.
- Then apply the cream.
- Do not share towels, socks or shoes with other people.
- Go barefoot at home or wear sandals as much as possible.
- Do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty.
- Wear socks made of man-made fibers. They will keep the feet drier and cooler than cotton. Change them twice daily.
Do Not Scratch:
- Scratching infected feet will delay the healing. It can spread the fungus to other parts of the body.
- Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.
Return to Work or School:
- Athlete's foot is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
- You do not need to miss any work or school. You can be active and play sports.
- Your socks can be washed with the normal laundry. They don't need to be boiled.
Jock Itch Prevention:
- Athlete's foot fungus can spread to the groin area. This is called jock itch.
- The fungus can be spread by a towel or washcloth.
- So, after bathing, dry the groin area before the feet.
- You can also use a different towel for the feet.
- Do this for at least 7 days after the athlete's foot looks like it is cured.
What to Expect:
- With proper treatment, athlete's foot goes away within 2 weeks.
Call Your Doctor If:
- It looks infected
- Rash is not getting better after 1 week of treatment
- Rash is not gone (clear skin) after 2 weeks on treatment
- You think you need to be seen
- You get worse