Are cracked heels with calluses and blisters athlete's foot?

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

Updated on June 19, 2025

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Heel cracking, calluses, and blisters appeared, and it is considered likely to be athlete's foot, which is mainly caused by fungal infection. Athlete's foot has several types, one of which is called the hyperkeratotic dry type, mainly characterized by dry, cracked heels, and is also accompanied by itching. Therefore, if there is heel cracking, calluses, and blistering, it is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital promptly. You can have a fungal microscopy test and if it is confirmed to be a fungal infection causing the athlete's foot, treatment with antifungal drugs can be carried out. You may choose nitrate oxiconazole ointment or luliconazole ointment, as well as special terbinafine cream for treatment. If the symptoms are severe, oral antifungal medication should also be used in combination.

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Written by Xia Min

Traditional Chinese Medicine

48sec

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Can soaking feet in mugwort leaves cure athlete's foot?

Mugwort leaves, as is widely known, are a type of Chinese herbal medicine. They predominantly exhibit a warming quality and are mainly used for foot soaks to treat ailments caused by cold-dampness and wind-cold, as well as conditions related to cold. In typical cases, athlete's foot, which is a fungal infection caused by fungi leading to inflammation, should be treated with antifungal medications, not by soaking in mugwort leaves. It's only effective for treating symptoms caused by cold conditions and wind-cold dampness, not athlete's foot. Therefore, it is recommended to choose antifungal medications for the treatment of athlete's foot. (Be sure to follow a doctor's guidance regarding specific medications.)

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Written by Liu Jing

Dermatology

1min 8sec

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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 Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

38sec

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Will having athlete's foot cause an infection during a water birth?

Giving birth in water does not increase the risk of infection; in fact, the rate of newborns carrying bacteria significantly decreases when birth occurs in water. The reason is that water can wash off the bacteria on the baby's body, and the birth takes place in a special tub where the water is flowing and free of bacteria. Before the birth, the doctor will disinfect the mother. In current practices, liquids are generally used to inhibit the growth of pathogens, so infections like athlete's foot are generally not caused during childbirth.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 2sec

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Can soaking feet in vinegar cure athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a condition caused by skin fungal infections affecting the superficial layers of the skin on the feet. For treatment, one can opt for antifungal ointments, and when necessary, oral antifungal medications, which are very effective in killing fungi. However, using home remedies like soaking feet in white vinegar, salt water, or applying garlic locally is not advisable. These do not effectively kill the bacteria and can instead damage the skin barrier and irritate the skin, potentially causing symptoms such as redness, flaking, and itchy sensitivity. If the concentration of vinegar is too low, it is ineffective; if too high, it can be intolerable for the skin. Therefore, if you have athlete's foot, it is best to opt for proper antifungal medications and ensure treatment for a sufficient duration.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

58sec

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What should I do if I get athlete's foot on my face?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection. Fungi are contagious, so it is possible for the infection to spread to the face and even other parts of the body. In such cases, it is necessary to use antifungal creams. Currently, common treatments include Nystatin Ketoconazole Cream or Miconazole Nitrate Cream. However, the treatment period is relatively long, requiring at least one month of continuous medication, or continuing treatment for an additional ten days to half a month after the symptoms have completely disappeared. Athlete's foot itself also needs to be treated thoroughly, as only by completely curing athlete's foot can the spread of the infection to other parts of the body be prevented. It is recommended that personal items such as foot-washing towels and basins be used separately from other family members to prevent cross-infection. Items that have been used should be thoroughly disinfected and exposed to sunlight to kill the fungi.