Athlete's Foot Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Athlete's foot symptoms usually start between the toes. As the infection progresses, it may spread to the soles or arches of the feet or to the toenails.

Symptoms often occur in combination and may include:

• Dry skin
• Itching, which worsens as the infection spreads
• Scaling
• Cracking
• Redness
• A white, wet surface
• Blisters, which may open and become painful

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may scrape a small sample from the infected skin and look at it under the microscope. Infections caused by bacteria, rather than a fungus, may cause similar symptoms. Other conditions may also mimic athlete's foot. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for successful treatment.