What is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis or foot ringworm) is a type of ringworm caused by a fungus. This common condition mostly affects teen and adult males. It less frequently affects children before puberty. Contributing causes include sweating, not drying the feet well after swimming or bathing, wearing tight socks and shoes, and warm weather conditions. Symptoms of athlete's foot may include:

  • Whitening of the skin between the toes
  • Scaling of the feet
  • Itchy rash on the feet
  • Blisters on the feet


  • Cream or oral medication is usually used to kill the fungi and stop the spread of athlete’s foot. Tinactin®, Micatin® or Lotrimin®creams are commonly used OTC products.
  • Bathe feet frequently and dry thoroughly, especially around and between toes.
  • Bathe feet twice a day, dry them thoroughly and then apply the antifungal cream.
