What does it mean if there is fluid in athlete's foot?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on January 04, 2025
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Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, commonly manifests in three types: vesicular, hyperkeratotic, and intertriginous. The vesicular type is characterized by blistering and scaling, typically occurring on the tips of the fingers, the palms, and the sides of the feet. Initially, the skin lesions appear as small, scattered blisters the size of a pinhead. The blister fluid is clear, and the blister walls are relatively thick. These blisters can cluster and merge to form larger blisters, eventually losing their walls to expose a honeycomb-like base and a raw, eroded surface. After several days, the blisters can dry out and flake off. As the condition progresses and exudation increases, it can develop into the intertriginous type, which primarily affects the web spaces between the fingers or toes. It is more common in people who sweat excessively, soak their feet in water, or wear rubber shoes for extended periods, particularly during the summer. The skin becomes soaked and appears whitish, with a soft surface that peels off easily, revealing a moist red eroded area with exudate, often accompanied by cracking and significant itching. When secondary bacterial infection occurs, there is typically an odor. If not promptly controlled, it can lead to secondary infections, producing pustules and ulcers, and may also lead to acute lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, cellulitis, or erysipelas. In severe or recurrent cases, it can also induce local eczematous changes and disseminated dermatophytosis.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection, and this disease is quite contagious and recurring. Generally, the earliest symptoms appear on the bottoms of the feet or between the toes, including itching, peeling, and blisters. If the symptoms are severe, there may also be erosion, exudation, or oozing. Athlete's foot is highly contagious and may spread to other parts of the body over time. It may also be transmitted to family members, and as the condition progresses, the toenails may gradually develop fungal nail infections. Therefore, once you have athlete's foot, you must actively seek standardized treatment, applying antifungal creams. Bath basins or foot towels at home should be used separately from those of other family members to prevent cross-infection. It is advisable to wear breathable shoes frequently, and shoes and socks that have been worn should be sun-dried and disinfected.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can soaking feet in ginger cure athlete's foot?

Soaking feet in ginger can effectively treat athlete's foot, but it requires a longer duration. If the soaking time is too short, it will not be effective in treating athlete's foot and needs to be carried out over a long term. Generally, it is recommended to soak for about 15 to 30 minutes—neither too long nor too short. Soaking for too short a period will be ineffective, and soaking for too long may cause some negative effects, so extra attention is needed. Regular foot soaking also benefits the body by promoting blood circulation, unblocking meridians, and improving physical constitution.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Can iodophor treat athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, commonly known as tinea pedis, is an infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. Antifungal medications are required for symptomatic treatment. However, iodophors, as disinfectants, do not have a therapeutic effect on athlete's foot. Daily enhancement of foot hygiene, frequent changing of shoes and socks, and maintaining a dry and ventilated environment are important. Laboratory examinations, including scraping skin scales from affected areas for microscopic examination of fungi, are necessary. A positive laboratory result further supports the diagnosis of tinea pedis. Treatment involves the application of antifungal creams such as naftifine and ketoconazole. To adequately control symptoms and prevent recurrence, it may be necessary to take oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, itraconazole dispersible tablets or capsules, for a treatment course of more than 2 weeks. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does Huoxiang Zhengqi Water treat athlete's foot?

Huoxiang Zhengqi Water is generally used to treat summer colds, dizziness, fever, or diseases accompanied by cold symptoms. It has no special effect on treating athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is caused by fungal infections and is contagious and recurrent. For treating athlete's foot, it is best to use formal medications, otherwise, due to its high contagiousness, it might spread to family members. Currently, commonly used ointments include Naftifine Ketoconazole Cream or Nitrate Sertaconazole Cream, and the treatment usually requires a long course, at least persisting for more than a month. Or after the symptoms have completely disappeared, continue using it for about half a month more, which can generally cure it completely. Towels and basins for washing feet, used daily, must be separated from those of other family members to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The difference between smelly feet and athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by a fungal infection, characterized by being contagious and recurrent. Typically, after contracting athlete's foot, small blisters may appear on the foot, and these blisters can burst, possibly resulting in an unpleasant odor or foot odor. Additionally, wearing shoes for a long time that are tightly fitted and cause excessive foot sweating might also contribute to the condition. If it is merely foot odor, it is related to the fermentation of bacteria on the foot, such as wearing synthetic socks or excessive sweating of the feet, and infrequent foot washing. These factors can all cause foot odor, which is different from athlete's foot. Foot odor requires frequent washing with hot water, and it is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods. Treatment for athlete's foot involves the application of antifungal creams. Furthermore, foot odor is not contagious, whereas athlete's foot is contagious.