Athlete’s foot

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Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection.  Athlete’s foot usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight fitting shoes.

Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging, cracked skin, and burning. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. You can get athlete's foot from damp surfaces, such as showers, swimming pools, and locker room floors.

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 Prevention

• Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool

• Wear clean socks and do not reuse socks

• Don't walk barefoot in public areas and wear flip-flops in locker room showers

• Keep your toenails clean and clipped short

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Treatments include over-the-counter antifungal creams for most cases and prescription medicines for more serious infections. These usually clear up the infection, but it can come re-occur

 

 

Erythrasma

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Erythrasma is a long-term skin infection caused by bacteria and can be commonly misunderstood for athlete’s foot that is a fungal infection. It commonly occurs in skin folds all over the body but commonly occurs in the interspace of your toes, most commonly seen in the 4th interspace.

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Causes

Erythrasma is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum.

Erythrasma is more common in warm climates that results in excessive sweating. You are more likely to develop this condition if you are overweight, older, or have diabetes.

 

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Treatment

Treatment of erythrasma is simple with a prescription topical antibiotic, drying between the toes after showering, and good hygiene practices.