Should the peeling skin be removed after using medication for athlete's foot?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on February 26, 2025
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After applying medication for athlete's foot, you should not peel the skin off with your hands, as this can damage the surrounding tissue and potentially lead to further infections, acute lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, or erysipelas. When inflammation is obvious, it may also trigger localized eczematous changes or a systemic bacterial rash. There are two possibilities for peeling after medication: one is that the peeling is caused by the primary disease, such as hyperkeratotic tinea pedis, in which case strong desquamating agents like compound benzoic acid ointment can continue to be used. If necessary, occlusive dressings may also be applied. If the peeling is not caused by athlete's foot itself but by irritation from the medication, such as erosive soaking tinea pedis treated with 3% boric acid ointment that has dried out, then stop using irritating and strongly desquamating medications. Instead, it is recommended to use creams and ointments. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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What does it mean if there is fluid in athlete's foot?

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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
25sec home-news-image

Are athlete's foot and foot odor the same thing?

Athlete's foot and tinea pedis are actually the same type of disease; they are the same thing. "Athlete's foot" is another common name for tinea pedis. Both are superficial fungal skin diseases caused by fungal infections of the skin on the feet. The treatment methods are the same, using antifungal medications. It is important to avoid sharing slippers, foot towels, or bath towels with others.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Athlete's foot is due to a lack of which vitamin?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection, and it is not related to the lack of vitamins or trace elements. Once infected with athlete's foot, it must be treated formally. Generally, the use of antifungal creams, such as naftifine and ketoconazole ointment applied continuously, can cure it. The duration of medication must be long, at least more than one month, or until symptoms completely disappear, and then continue using it for about half a month afterwards, which can basically achieve the purpose of eradication. However, this disease is highly contagious. Shoes and socks that have been worn must be sun-dried and disinfected. Foot towels and foot basins should be used separately from family members to avoid infecting them. Therefore, once athlete's foot occurs, it must be treated promptly. Avoid going to public baths and wearing shared slippers to prevent re-infection. (Under the guidance of a doctor when using medication)

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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Is peeling skin on the feet without itching athlete's foot?

Peeling of the skin on the feet without itching is considered to be a type of athlete's foot characterized by excessive keratinization, commonly occurring on the soles, toes, and heels. The affected skin appears dry, with clear hyperkeratosis, thickening, rough surface, scaling, and deepened skin lines. In winter, cracks can occur, possibly leading to bleeding and pain. This type of athlete's foot generally does not exhibit marked itching symptoms. Besides the hyperkeratinotic type, common forms of athlete's foot include the blistering scaly type and the macerated erosive type, both of which typically have more pronounced itching symptoms. The blistering scaly type often appears on the fingertips, sides of the feet, and toes. Initially, this condition presents as pinhead-sized blisters deep in the skin, with clear fluid and a thick, shiny wall, which are not easily ruptured. These blisters may be scattered or cluster and can merge into larger blisters. Tearing off the blister wall reveals a honeycomb base and a fresh red erosive surface. After several days, the blisters dry up, leading to a ring-like scaling, with lesions continuously spreading outwards. During stable phases of this condition, scaling predominates, and itching becomes more apparent. The macerated erosive type, also known as the interdigital type, is frequently observed between the toes, especially between the third and fourth or fourth and fifth toes, and is commonly associated with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and prolonged wearing of rubber footwear. It is more prevalent in the summer and significantly itchy. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, there may also be an unpleasant odor.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What vitamin is lacking in athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infections, and it is not related to a lack of vitamins or trace elements. Once it occurs, it is highly contagious and recurrent. Contact with others or wearing each other's slippers can lead to cross-infection. Once it appears, it is advisable to apply antifungal cream as early as possible. The treatment should be prolonged, lasting at least one month, or even more than two months, to potentially kill the deep-rooted fungus completely and prevent recurrence. During the treatment of athlete's foot, it is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits. Avoid public baths and swimming, try not to keep small animals at home, do not wear others' slippers, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and do not stay up late.