What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 15, 2025
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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What is the difference between athlete's foot and tinea pedis?

Athlete's foot and tinea pedis are two names for the same disease, referring to a contagious disease caused by fungal infections. It often manifests as blisters or peeling skin on the soles of the feet or between the toes, with severe itching. If symptoms are severe, cracking or bleeding may occur. It is advisable to treat this disease as soon as it appears, using antifungal creams for a longer course of treatment to fully eradicate the infection. After recovery, it is important to prevent recurrence by avoiding public baths and swimming pools, sun-disinfecting worn socks and shoes, and treating other infected family members simultaneously.

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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 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 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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to stop itching from athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a disease caused by fungal infection, which is contagious and recurrent. The main symptoms usually are blisters and sores appearing on the soles of the feet or between the toes, and the condition is quite itchy. Most people tend to scratch the blisters until they break open, leading to infection. Once occurrence is observed, it is essential to apply an official antifungal cream, which can help relieve the itchiness. If the itching is severe in a short period, hot water can be used to scald the affected area, but after scalding, it is still necessary to continue applying the cream. After recovery, it is important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid public baths and swimming, and refrain from consuming spicy and stimulating foods.