How to Recognize Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

Athelete's Foot, also known as ringworm of the feet or tinea pedis, is a fairly common affliction that affects many teens and adults. The condition affects the soles of the foot and the skin in between the toes, and is caused by an infection.

The infection, known as the Trichophyton fungus, is spread through direct contact. The germs of this fungus are very common around swimming pools, showers and gyms. A person can acquire the fungus by wearing someone else's shoes or socks. In some cases, the fungus is also carried by animals, and it is contagious no matter where it comes from.

Learning to recognize symptoms of athlete's foot will help individuals find prompt treatment that provides very welcome relief.

Instructions

• 1

  Check your feet often, especially if you shower at school or at a local gym. Look for areas of the feet that are moist, or those that appear to have a soft-gray tinge. Look for reddish scales between the toes, along the top of the foot or on the sole.

• 2

  Watch for dead skin in between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes. While it is normal to find sloughing skin between the toes or around the ankles, the dead skin caused by the athlete's-foot fungus is plentiful, and causes intense itching.

• 3

  Look for areas of the feet that appear red, as if from a first-degree burn. These areas may itch like crazy or feel as if they're burning. Also watch for small blisters that may appear on the bottom of the foot, or around the toes.

• 4

  Smell your feet. Sure, it doesn't sound nice, but athlete's foot fungus gives off a musty odor. So go ahead and check.