Get the Facts

• What causes athlete's foot?

• The main cause of athlete's foot is a "dermatophyte." "Dermatophyte" is the scientific name for fungus. If you come in contact with the fungus and if the surface of your skin provides ideal conditions for growth, the fungus can attach itself to your skin and begin to spread — typically in the skin between your toes. Your skin might react by becoming red or itchy, or you might have other symptoms. This signals to you that something is wrong and you need to seek treatment.

• Where does the fungus grow?

• A moist environment by itself is not enough to cause athlete's foot. However, a warm AND moist environment provides favorable conditions for the fungus to grow. Some places where the athlete's foot fungus is commonly found include public swimming pools, baths, sports clubs and warm, humid parts of the world that are popular vacation destinations.

• How does the fungus spread?

• The fungus that causes athlete's foot can be easily transmitted. If the fungus is found on a surface and you come into contact with it, you could possibly develop athlete's foot. To help minimize your risk of getting athlete's foot, take good care of your feet and be aware of prevention tips.

• Do I have athlete's foot?

• If you suspect you have athlete's foot, take a look at the "Signs and Symptoms" tab below. The good news is that athlete's foot can be treated conveniently with a topical OTC product, like Lamisil^AT®. The signs of athlete's foot are often seen between the toes, and the infection usually responds well to treatment with a topical antifungal product.

• Types of athlete's foot.

• There are three kinds of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot can occur as:

  1. An infection of the skin between the toes
  2. An infection of the skin covering the foot
  3. An infection on the soles of your feet (this type occurs less frequently and is a more chronic condition known as "moccasin" athlete's foot).

  
  To treat athlete's foot, you need a topical antifungal product, like Lamisil^AT®.

• Signs and symptoms

• Athlete's foot symptoms can vary somewhat from person to person. The following symptoms may indicate that you have athlete's foot:

  • Itching or burning on the soles of your feet or between your toes
  • White, wet-looking skin in between your toes
  • Flaky skin or small tears (fissures) on your feet or between your toes
  • Redness and/or blisters on the skin of your foot
  • Thick, dry, scaly skin on the bottom (soles) of your feet (chronic, moccasin type)
• Complications

• Symptoms of athlete's foot should not be ignored. Untreated athlete's foot can spread to your toenails — or lead to more serious complications. Remember, if you have athlete's foot, take care of your feet by treating this condition.

  If you have an illness like diabetes or a disease that weakens your immune system, you may be more vulnerable to athlete's foot. People with diabetes or similar conditions should always see their doctor if they have symptoms of athlete's foot.

• When to see your doctor

• Most cases of athlete's foot can be treated with a topical, over-the-counter antifungal medication like Lamisil^AT® which is available at your local retailer.

  If you try a topical nonprescription antifungal medication and the symptoms either don't improve or get worse, you should see your doctor. Also, you should contact your doctor if you develop any new symptoms, such as swelling, extensive redness or skin that oozes.

  Remember, diabetics should immediately see their doctor if they have the signs or symptoms of athlete's foot.

• How do I treat my athlete's foot?

• Athlete's foot will not disappear on its own, but there are nonprescription antifungal medications available to treat most infections. By treating your athlete's foot with an antifungal cream, gel, spray, or powder like Lamisil^AT®, and by paying attention to a few "do's and don'ts," you can treat your athlete's foot — and help ensure a satisfactory recovery.

• Ways to treat it

• If you have the signs and symptoms of athlete's foot, you may need an antifungal medication like Lamisil^AT® to treat it. Most athlete's foot infections respond well to nonprescription medications, so your first stop should be at your local retailer. Here you can choose between the treatment forms (gel, spray, cream, or powder) and treatment duration. Identify your needs and select the product that best fits your lifestyle.

• Do's and don'ts

• When you have athlete's foot, there are some clear "do's and don'ts" you should follow to ensure a full and satisfactory recovery.

  • Do use your medication for the correct duration of time specified. You should refer to the product package for exact instructions on the length of time to treat.
  • Don't stop using the antifungal medication just because the symptoms are gone.
  • Do look for the best treatment for you. For example, if you feel that a product with too many treatments disrupts your routine, consider using a product with the fewest treatments required.
  • Do remain aware of ways to help prevent athlete's foot.
  • Do keep your feet dry — especially the spaces between your toes.
  • Do seek the help of a doctor if you have recurring athlete's foot infections, or one that does not respond to treatment.
  • Don't try to treat your athlete's foot with a simple moisturizer: Only an antifungal product like Lamisil^AT® can treat athlete's foot.
  • Do remember that athlete's foot can be treated.
  • Do treat both feet — in 80% of all cases, both feet are infected.
• How can I help prevent athlete's foot?

• Prevention of athlete's foot begins with good, regular self-care. This includes thoroughly drying your feet after bathing, avoiding wearing the same shoes every day (so the shoes have adequate time to dry out), and wearing a clean pair of cotton socks every day.

  If you already have athlete's foot, there are steps you can follow to help prevent re-infection. These steps include completing the entire course of treatment with an antifungal medication like Lamisil^AT® as directed, using separate towels to dry the infected areas of your feet and washing all socks, clothes and other laundry at 60° C/140° F with bleach.

• More prevention tips

• You can help prevent athlete's foot by:

  • Washing your feet daily (including the area between your toes) with warm water and a gentle soap.
  • Thoroughly drying your feet after washing, paying special attention to drying the area between your toes.
  • Changing your socks every day (twice a day if you're prone to sweating) and washing dirty ones at 60° C/140° F.
  • Wearing socks made of natural, breathable materials, such as cotton or wool.
  • Allowing air to circulate between your shoes & feet by wearing light, open shoes or sandals.
  • Allowing your shoes at least 24 hours to dry out before wearing them again.
  • Protecting your feet in areas of public swimming pools or showers by wearing flip-flops.
  • Using talcum powder on your feet to minimize moisture.
  • Checking regularly in the spaces between your toes for new infections.
  • Treating your shoes with an antifungal agent, like Lamisil^AF Defense^®, if you've had an infection.
  • Not sharing shoes, towels, or socks with others.
• Who's at risk for athlete's foot?

• Even though anyone can get athlete's foot, there are some groups who are more prone to developing the infection. Higher risk groups include:

  • Diabetics
  • Athletes
  • Those who live in warm, humid climates
  • Some professional groups, including soldiers or workers who wear specialized protective footwear

  Additionally, persons with weakened immune systems or certain genetic predispositions have been shown to be more susceptible to fungal infections.