Skin health
I have athlete's foot and the area seems more and more irritated. What treatment should I follow? Can I go to the pool, to the beach, play sport or keep running?
Hello Alejandro,
Athlete's foot, whose medical name is tinea pedis, is a superficial skin infection caused by fungi. It usually appears between the toes, although it can also affect the sole and the sides of the foot.
It can cause itching, scaling, cracks, bad odour, small blisters or whitish, softened skin between the toes. When the skin is very macerated, cracked or painful, a bacterial infection may be added, so we should not regard it merely as a cosmetic problem.
The usual treatment is to apply a topical antifungal to clean, completely dry skin. Depending on the active ingredient, it may be used for one or several weeks. It is essential to respect the indicated frequency and duration, covering not only the visible area but also a small margin of surrounding skin.
Even if the lesion starts to improve quickly, the treatment should not be stopped early. Stopping too soon can leave active fungi and encourage the infection to return. Topical corticosteroids used alone are also not suitable, as they can temporarily mask the symptoms while the infection continues to spread.
When athlete's foot is very extensive, recurrent, also affects the nails or does not improve with a properly carried-out treatment, it may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis with a skin sample and to consider an oral antifungal. This treatment must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
However, medication alone is usually not enough. To cure athlete's foot properly and prevent it from returning, it is essential to control moisture and follow a series of daily measures.
Keeping the feet dry
Wash the feet once a day with water and a mild product. Then dry them carefully, especially between the toes. It is not enough to dry only the sole of the foot.
Use a personal towel and do not share it. After drying the infected area, wash your hands to avoid spreading the fungus to other parts of the body.
Changing socks and footwear
Change your socks at least once a day and whenever they are damp with sweat. If you exercise and sweat a lot, it may be necessary to change them immediately afterwards.
Choose breathable socks or socks designed to wick away moisture. Avoid keeping wet socks on for hours.
Alternate your footwear and let your shoes dry and air completely before wearing them again. During treatment, it can be useful to use an antifungal powder or spray specifically for the inside of the shoes, following the product instructions.
Whenever possible, temporarily avoid very closed, tight or poorly breathable shoes.
Can I run or play sport?
It is not mandatory to stop exercising, but you must avoid the foot staying damp for a long time. The combination of sweat, heat, friction and closed footwear creates an environment favourable for the infection to persist.
If you run or train, use clean, breathable socks, change them when you finish, take a shower and dry your feet very well. Do not stay afterwards in sweaty trainers and socks.
If there are painful cracks, blisters, erosions or significant inflammation, it may be advisable to temporarily reduce activity until the skin begins to recover, as friction can worsen the lesions.
Can I go to the swimming pool?
While the infection is active, the most prudent thing is to temporarily avoid the pool, especially if the skin is open, macerated or very inflamed.
The problem is not only the water. Changing rooms, showers and pool edges are damp surfaces where fungi can be transmitted easily. Walking barefoot can also favour a new exposure and contagion to other people.
If you go, always use flip-flops, do not share towels or footwear and dry your feet completely when you leave. Do not stay in a wet swimsuit, socks or footwear.
And swimming in the sea?
Seawater does not cure athlete's foot. Although occasional bathing is generally not a major danger, keeping the foot damp or walking barefoot in showers, walkways and common areas can delay recovery or favour new contamination.
If you bathe, dry your feet well immediately afterwards and avoid covering them for hours with closed footwear while they are still damp.
Can I go to the sauna or the steam bath?
I do not recommend it while the infection is active. Heat and humidity encourage maceration of the skin and create ideal conditions for the fungi to persist.
Should I cover the lesion with a dressing?
In general, it is not advisable to cover athlete's foot with an occlusive dressing. By preventing ventilation, moisture can accumulate, maceration can occur and the infection can worsen.
If there is a crack that needs protection against friction, a suitable, breathable dressing should be used for the shortest possible time, following the recommendation of a healthcare professional.
Preventing the fungus from spreading
Do not scratch the lesions. The fungus can pass from the feet to the nails, the groin, the hands or other areas of the body.
Do not share towels, socks, shoes, nail clippers or pedicure utensils. Regularly wash towels, socks and bathroom mats.
Also check the nails. If they are yellowish, thickened, brittle or detached, there may be an associated nail infection acting as a reservoir and causing continual relapses.
You should request a new medical evaluation if you do not see a clear improvement after correctly completing the treatment, if the infection recurs frequently or if it affects a very extensive area.
Consult more quickly if increasing pain, warmth, inflammation, pus, intense bad odour, spreading redness, fever or difficulty walking appears. These signs may indicate a bacterial superinfection.
I also recommend an early medical evaluation if you have diabetes, circulatory problems, reduced sensation in the feet or a disease that affects your defences.
Athlete's foot usually heals well, but success depends as much on the antifungal as on keeping the feet dry, treating the footwear and avoiding the conditions that favour reinfection.
I hope I have guided you. Warm regards.
