Published at November 23, 2024
Despite having ‘fun’ in the word, foot fungi is anything but! If you think you might have a foot fungus, it may be athlete’s foot or toenail fungus as these are two of the most common fungal foot infections. While they typically only cause mild discomfort, you can experience more severe symptoms if the fungus is left untreated. Here’s how to tell the two apart and what to do if you have a foot fungus.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
The medical term for it is tinea pedis, but everyone calls it by its everyday moniker, Athlete’s foot. This fungal infection typically crops up between the toes and can spread to the toenails and soles of the feet. Highly contagious, it is caused by dermatophyte fungi and is often contracted in moist environments like public showers and swimming pools. It is named as such because it is common among athletes who share locker rooms.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, medically termed onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the toenails. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the toenail and can lead to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nails. This condition is also primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi, however, non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts like Candida can also be responsible.
How to Tell the Difference Between Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus
Location of the Fungus
Athlete's Foot: This condition typically presents on the skin between the toes and/or on the soles of the feet. Toenail Fungus: On the toenails themselves.
Primary Symptoms For Each
Athlete’s Foot: Itching, burning, and stinging on the feet with the possibility of red, scaly, and peeling skin, blisters, cracking, and excessive dryness. It can spread to other parts of the body, for example, jock itch is caused by the same fungi.
Toenail Fungus: Yellow or white spots under the toenail, leading to nail thickening, crumbling edges, and sometimes separation from the nail bed.
Causes of Each
Athlete’s Foot: Caused by direct contact with dermatophytes in warm, moist environments like showers and locker rooms. It can be contracted via the sharing of clothes, towels, or shoes.
Toenail Fungus: Can be caused by dermatophytes or yeast and molds, often because of too-tight shoes and sweaty feet. It is also more common in patients with a history of Athlete’s foot.
Are These Fungi Contagious?
Athlete’s foot is highly contagious, while toenail fungus is less likely to be spread to others.
Treatments for Each
Athlete’s Foot
- Topical Athlete’s foot cream or sprays containing ketoconazole, Ciclopirox, and Naftifine.
- Topical powder for athlete’s foot
- For more severe or persistent infections, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications like terbinafine
- Keep the feet clean and dry and wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable footwear. Take a look at this list of some of the best socks for Athlete’s foot.
Toenail Fungus
- Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams and medicated nail lacquers, such as Ciclopirox
- Oral prescription drugs like terbinafine and itraconazole
- Laser light treatment that targets and destroys the fungal infection at a deeper level
- In cases where the infection is severe and other treatments have failed, surgical removal of the nail might be considered.
Set Up a Consult for Foot Fungus on 24HRDoc Online
While both of these fungal conditions are common and treatable, they should be addressed as soon as symptoms present to ensure a quick resolution. Beyond maintaining good foot hygiene, using antifungal creams and oral medication can help clear up the fungus asap! To get you back on your feet, set up a quick online consultation with 24HRDoc and our highly trained doctors can advise the best course of action for your individual case.
