Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot: treating and preventing this common fungal infection

You take off your socks at the end of the day. That persistent itch between your toes has been tormenting you for weeks. The skin whitens and peels. An unpleasant smell emanates from your feet despite rigorous hygiene.

You apply moisturizers. The irritation worsens. That redness that extends between your toes resists all your self-treatment efforts.

You probably suffer from athlete’s foot, the most common fungal infection affecting the feet. This skin fungus, medically called tinea pedis, affects millions of people every year.

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot results from infection with microscopic fungi (dermatophytes) that proliferate in warm, humid environments. These organisms feed on the keratin present in the superficial layer of your skin.

The name “athlete’s foot”, or tinea pedis, comes from the high frequency of this infection in athletes. Athletic shoes create an ideal environment for fungal growth. Heat, humidity and maceration: these conditions favour the rapid multiplication of fungi.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be an athlete to develop this infection. Anyone exposing their feet to prolonged moisture is at risk.

The infection typically affects the spaces between the toes, especially between the fourth and fifth toes. The interdigital form represents the most common type. The moccasin shape covers the sole and sides of the foot with a dry, flaky layer. The rarer vesicular form causes fluid-filled blisters.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot

Itching is the dominant symptom. This unpleasant feeling often intensifies after you take off your shoes or when your feet become wet.

The skin between your toes turns white and becomes soft (maceration). It flakes into small shreds. Painful cracks may appear in the interdigital spaces. These crevices create entry points for secondary bacterial infections.

Redness and inflammation border the affected areas. Dry, flaky skin sometimes extends over the sole and sides of the foot. The unpleasant odour results from the breakdown of skin tissue by fungi and the associated bacterial overgrowth.

The infection spreads easily to toenails, causing thickening, yellowish discoloration, and crumbling. This extension significantly complicates the treatment. This is nail fungus, or onychomycosis.

Diagnosis and treatment at our clinic

At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, podiatrists Dr. Sandra Gendron, Dr. Stephen Davis and Dr. Émile Carrier diagnose athlete’s foot through a clinical examination. The characteristic appearance and typical location quickly guide the diagnosis.

Consulting one of our podiatrists is helpful in distinguishing this problem from other skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

In atypical or treatment-resistant cases, we can take a skin sample for mycological confirmation in the laboratory. This analysis precisely identifies the responsible organism and guides the optimal therapeutic choice.

Treatment is mainly based on topical antifungals. Creams, powders, or sprays containing antifungals like ciclopirox olamine or terbinafine. Daily application for two to four weeks. It is important to treat for this duration to prevent recurrence rather than treating only until symptoms stop.

Your podiatrist can also prescribe specialized dressings that wick away moisture, get to the root of the problem while avoiding the disadvantage of using creams, which is to maintain a moist environment, especially between the toes.

For widespread, severe or recalcitrant infections, we can prescribe oral antifungals. These systemic medications reach the fungi that topical treatments do not penetrate properly. A treatment of several weeks may be necessary for complete eradication, especially if the nails are also affected.

If the nails are infected, their treatment becomes essential. Fungal nails serve as a reservoir of fungi that constantly reinfect the treated skin. We offer treatment options for nail fungus, including specialized topical treatments and oral antifungals.

Secondary bacterial infections sometimes require antibiotics. The deep cracks between the toes allow bacteria to seep in. This superinfection manifests itself in increased redness, purulent drainage and intensified pain.

Dr. Émile Carrier, podiatrist and co-owner of our clinic, explains that athlete’s foot frequently recurs if the factors that promote fungal growth persist. Treatment of active infection should be accompanied by rigorous preventive measures to avoid re-infection.

Athlete’s foot prevention

Keep your feet dry. Dry thoroughly between the toes after each wash or exposure to water. This step, which is often neglected, is your best protection.

Change your socks daily, more frequently if your feet are sweating profusely. Choose socks made of moisture-wicking fibers rather than cotton that retains it.

Alternate your shoes. Wear different pairs each day to allow for thorough drying. Wet shoes promote fungal growth.

Wear sandals in locker rooms, public showers and swimming pools. The moist surfaces of these environments are home to fungi that easily infect bare feet.

Apply preventive antifungal powders if you have a susceptibility to recurrent infections. This proactive approach significantly reduces recidivism.

Treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) if you have it. Excessive moisture control protects against fungal infections. Your podiatrist may prescribe products to treat this problem.

When to consult?

If symptoms persist despite two weeks of over-the-counter treatment, consult one of our podiatrists. Resistant infections require stronger antifungals or investigation to rule out other skin pathologies.

The presence of signs of secondary bacterial infection — intense redness, heat, purulent drainage, fever — warrants a prompt assessment. These complications require antibiotic treatment.

People living with diabetes or immunosuppression should seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear. In these vulnerable populations, a minor fungal infection can progress to serious complications.

If you have any questions about athlete’s foot or to make an appointment, contact us at 819 800-1212 or fill out the contact form.

Podiatric consultations are NOT covered by the RAMQ. However, several private insurance plans cover our services.