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Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a superficial dermatophyte infection, usually between the toes or on the sole and edges of the foot. Scaling, cracks and itching often respond to a topical antifungal and keeping the skin dry, but eczema and bacterial infections can look similar. A warm foot with rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever or a wound in someone with diabetes needs prompt assessment.

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Athlete's foot is a superficial dermatophyte infection, usually between the toes or on the sole and edges of the foot. Scaling, cracks and itching often respond to a topical antifungal and keeping the skin dry, but eczema and bacterial infections can look similar. A warm foot with rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever or a wound in someone with diabetes needs prompt assessment.

  • White, softened skin, scaling, itching and painful cracks between the toes, often worst in the outermost toe space.
  • Fine dry scaling and thickening across the sole, heel and edges in a so-called moccasin pattern.
  • Wash your feet daily, dry carefully between all toes in particular, and put on clean, dry socks every day.
  • Alternate shoes so they can dry completely, choose breathable materials and remove insoles after use where possible.
  • Make an appointment if this is a first unclear episode, correctly used topical treatment does not help, infection is extensive or nails are involved.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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F
Fungal skin infectionA fungal skin infection is a superficial infection affecting the skin, hair or sometimes skin folds. Symptoms vary by location: round scaly patches on the body, cracks between the toes, an itchy groin or other patches with red, scaly edges. Treatment depends on the site and severity. Do not use only a corticosteroid cream on a suspected fungal patch without advice, because this can hide and worsen the infection.
E
ErythrasmaErythrasma is a superficial bacterial skin infection, usually in warm, moist skin folds such as the groin, armpits and between the toes. The patch is often reddish-brown, clearly defined and finely scaly. It resembles a fungal infection but needs different treatment; examination with a Wood's lamp may reveal a coral-red glow.
E
EczemaEczema is a collective term for skin inflammation with itching, redness, scales, bumps, cracks or weeping patches. The right approach depends on the type and cause. Daily moisturising often helps; pain, pus, fever or rapid spread need medical assessment.