<Things you should know> The correct knowledge about athlete's foot: Explanation of the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for athlete's foot. Causes (mechanisms) of athlete's foot [By Body Part] Explanation of the Types (Symptoms) of Athlete's Foot Symptoms (disease name) similar to athlete's foot Basic prevention and treatment methods for athlete's foot How to choose medication to prevent and treat athlete's foot Has your athlete's foot worsened (reached the final stage)? What should you do? Potential athlete's foot? Let's check for it. We explain common questions and concerns about athlete's foot (Q&A) Athlete's foot can not only spread to other parts of the body, but it can also easily infect others. Early treatment is crucial to prevent it from worsening. Let's learn the correct information about athlete's foot and take appropriate action and preventative measures. This article, supervised by a dermatologist, explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of athlete's foot. Causes (mechanisms) of athlete's foot There are three main types of athlete's foot. Let's look at the characteristics of each type and the causes of developing athlete's foot. What is athlete's foot? Athlete's foot is caused by infection with dermatophytes, a type of fungus (mold). One of its characteristics is that it is difficult to cure. Athlete's foot is a common name for tinea pedis, and it is mainly divided into the following three types. interdigital type This type of athlete's foot, which develops between the toes, is the most common. It often occurs between the ring finger and the little finger, becoming white, macerated, peeling, and red and inflamed. This type is characterized by intense itching. vesicular type Small blisters appear on the soles of the feet, along the edges, and at the base of the toes. After they burst, they dry out and the skin peels off in flakes. It is more common during the rainy season and often worsens in the fall. It may also be accompanied by itching. Hyperkeratotic type The skin on the soles of the feet, especially around the heels, thickens, hardens, and cracks, causing pain. There is usually little itching, but the symptoms persist even in winter. Athlete's foot is caused by infection with dermatophytes. However, even if the dermatophytes get on your feet, for example by using the same bath mat as someone with athlete's foot, you won't develop the condition immediately. You will develop athlete's foot if the dermatophytes remain on your feet for an extended period and create an environment where the fungi can easily multiply. Factors that promote the growth of ringworm fungi include the following: High temperature and high humidity environment The space between my toes is narrow, and my feet tend to get sweaty. There are small scratches. The skin's barrier function is impaired. Wearing rain boots, boots, or thick socks for long periods of time Furthermore, if someone you live with has athlete's foot, or if you frequently go to places where many people walk barefoot, such as gyms or swimming pools, the risk of infection also increases. Data on athlete's foot It is estimated that there are approximately 25 million people in Japan suffering from athlete's foot. Athlete's foot was originally a disease that was more common in adult men, but recently the gender difference has narrowed, and there are reports that one in three women suffers from athlete's foot. People who wear boots, pumps, or stockings for long periods of time should be especially careful. If the feet remain damp for extended periods, the risk of athlete's foot infection increases. [By Body Part] Explanation of the Types (Symptoms) of Athlete's Foot Where is athlete's foot most common? We'll tell you about areas to be careful of and how to check your feet, which are a particularly common site for athlete's foot. This article explains the body parts most prone to athlete's foot. It most commonly infects the feet. Although less frequent than in the feet, other parts of the body, such as the hands, head, and body, can also be infected with ringworm. Feet (tinea pedis) It can be found on the heels and between the toes, as well as over a wide area from the soles of the feet to the edges. There are two types: a moist, oozing type and a dry type where the skin peels and becomes red. Nails (onychomycosis) This refers to toenail fungus. It is commonly seen on the big toe. It is often caused by athlete's foot, and there are different types: one in which the tip of the nail becomes cloudy white and spreads to the base of the nail, one that spreads from a wound in the middle of the nail, and one that spreads from the base of the nail. The nail may become brittle and crumble, or it may become so thick that it cannot be cut with regular nail clippers. Hands (tinea manuum) It often occurs concurrently with athlete's foot. It frequently presents as a hyperkeratotic or vesicular type, similar to tinea pedis, and frequently appears on only one hand. It can also be transmitted to crawling babies. Furthermore, ringworm can infect parts of the body other than the hands and feet. Tinea cruris (ringworm) This condition is commonly seen in adult men and often occurs concurrently with athlete's foot. Small blisters and red rashes spread from the thighs to the genitals and buttocks. It is characterized by intense itching and difficulty in healing. Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) Recently, there has been an increase in cases of infection among athletes, particularly those in judo. When infected, symptoms include oval-shaped hair loss, rashes, and sometimes dandruff-like flakes. Tinea corporis (ringworm) This refers to tinea, a type of ringworm that appears on the torso, face, neck, and the backs of the hands and feet. It is characterized by small, itchy blisters or rashes that appear in a ring-like pattern. The center of the ring tends to heal, leaving only slight hyperpigmentation. Are your feet okay? Check your feet right now! If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread to other areas. It's important to regularly check your feet, paying particular attention to the following areas. Between the toes This is the area where they are most likely to appear. Spread your fingers apart and check carefully. Soles of the feet, edges of the feet, base of the toes Often, small blisters appear first, but they are inconspicuous and not always itchy. It's important to be careful, as overlooking them can lead to worsening of the condition. heel Even if there is no itching or other symptoms typical of athlete's foot, be careful if the skin becomes rough and flaky. Symptoms (disease name) similar to athlete's foot The following are some diseases that have symptoms very similar to athlete's foot. It's important to understand that each has different causes and treatments. contact dermatitis This refers to inflammation caused by contact with external substances on the skin. There are irritant and allergic types, and symptoms include itching, eczema, and redness and swelling. Cutaneous candidiasis It is caused by infection with Candida fungi, which are normally present in the body. Symptoms include itching, rash, redness, and swelling. sweat blisters Small blisters often appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. If accompanied by irritant contact dermatitis, the area can spread and itching can frequently occur. Palmoplantar pustulosis This condition involves the formation of numerous small blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, which fill with pus and cause redness of the skin. It is a recurring condition that may improve and worsen repeatedly. It may also be accompanied by mild itching. Basic prevention and treatment methods for athlete's foot How can you prevent athlete's foot and treat it properly? Here are two key points to keep in mind: Keep clean In Japan, where it's customary to remove shoes indoors, there are many opportunities to walk barefoot. In places where many people come and go, the risk of infection increases. Completely avoiding such places is quite difficult. What's important is the care taken afterward. Even if you shower after training at a gym or similar facility, there's still a good chance that ringworm fungi from the changing room can get on your feet. To prevent infection, wash your feet again when you get home. The key is to spread your toes wide and wash gently and thoroughly. Avoid damp conditions Wearing shoes for extended periods or thick socks can create a damp, humid environment, making you more susceptible to athlete's foot. It's a good idea to wear breathable socks and consciously take time to take your shoes off. In addition to keeping your feet dry, it's also important to thoroughly dry your shoes. Summer sandals tend to accumulate sweat, so be sure to keep them clean with regular care. How to choose medication to prevent and treat athlete's foot Athlete's foot, which causes itching and peeling skin, is quite troublesome. However, with the addition of oral medications to the treatment options, it is becoming possible to cure it. If you develop athlete's foot, it is generally treated with topical medication. However, in cases that are difficult to treat, oral medication may be prescribed. For example, if toenail fungus progresses, it becomes difficult to cure with topical medication alone, so oral medication is considered effective. Topical medications come in various types. The most commonly used are cream-type topical medications. They can be applied in appropriate amounts to small areas such as between the fingers. Ointments are also easy to use, but some people find them sticky. Liquid topical medications are characterized by their good penetration and quick-drying properties, but they can cause irritation when used on areas that are soggy or inflamed. Spray-type topical medications have the advantage of being easy to use without getting your hands dirty. Has your athlete's foot worsened (reached the final stage)? What should you do? If athlete's foot worsens, it can interfere with daily life. It can also spread from the feet to other areas such as the hands, nails, and torso. As the condition progresses to the hyperkeratotic stage, it becomes even more difficult to treat. Bacteria can enter cracks and sores, leading to infections. Since bacteria can also enter through small wounds, frequent checks and prompt treatment are important. Potential athlete's foot? Let's check for it. Early treatment is crucial for athlete's foot. If you let your guard down thinking it'll be fine, the symptoms could worsen without you realizing it. Answer these six questions to check your athlete's foot status. Let's definitely cure athlete's foot! Athlete's foot Questions and concerns Explanation(Q&A) Finally, let's answer some of your questions and concerns about athlete's foot. Can children get athlete's foot? While few children contract athlete's foot, this is because they tend to wear shoes and socks for extended periods less often than adults. However, athlete's foot can be transmitted to anyone, regardless of age or gender.A major factor that increases the risk of infection is the environment. Be careful, as prolonged periods of sweaty feet can easily lead to the development of symptoms. Can athlete's foot be cured with vinegar? It's best to avoid using folk remedies such as vinegar, as they may actually cause skin problems. How long does it take for athlete's foot to improve (cure)? If you apply the medication properly, the symptoms will subside in about two weeks. However, since the fungus is still present, there is a possibility of recurrence if you stop treatment at that point.Symptoms tend to decrease, especially after periods of high temperature and humidity. Even after symptoms subside, continue applying the medication for at least one month. It's also important to apply the medication not only to the affected area but also to the surrounding area and the entire sole of the foot to prevent new outbreaks. What are some ways in which athlete's foot can be transmitted? When you go barefoot and your skin comes into direct contact with other surfaces more often, the risk of contracting athlete's foot increases. Specifically, this could include sharing slippers or bath mats with someone who has athlete's foot, or spending long periods of time in places where many people come and go barefoot, such as hot springs or gyms. To prevent infection, it is important to maintain cleanliness. Make time to take off your shoes, and choose breathable shoes and socks made of materials that do not easily cause sweating. After returning home, wash your feet thoroughly at least once a day, such as by taking a bath. It is said that it takes more than 24 hours for the fungus that causes athlete's foot to penetrate the skin. Normally, even if the fungus attaches to the skin, if you take appropriate action within 24 hours, you are less likely to develop athlete's foot. Supervised by: Dr. Yuki Horiuchi, Director of Akihabara Skin ClinicAfter graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Tokyo Women's Medical University, she worked at dermatology and cosmetic clinics in Tokyo before opening Akihabara Skin Clinic in 2007. She is a certified specialist of the Japanese Dermatological Association and is also a member of the Japanese Dermatological Association, the Japanese Society for Aesthetic Dermatology, and the Japanese Society for Laser Medicine. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.