Running in sweaty shoes can increase your chance of developing athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the feet and toes. While athlete’s foot is uncomfortable, it is not a serious skin condition, in most cases. The fungal infection usually resolves in a few weeks if you use antifungal medications and take preventative measures to avoid worsening the condition.
Identification
Athlete’s foot, known medically as tinea pedis, occurs when fungi called dermatophytes begin to grow on your feet. Dermatophytes are normally found on skin and usually don’t cause any problems. Exposure to moist conditions causes dermatophytes to grow out of control, resulting in the itchy rash characteristic of athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a contagious condition that is easily spread to others if they come in contact with your feet, walk on floors after you’ve walked on them, or use items that have touched your feet, such as shoes or towels. The fungal infection can affect both the skin on your feet and your toenails.
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot causes flaky, cracked skin that looks red and itches, stings or burns. Symptoms are often noticed between the toes, on the sole of the foot or on the edges of the foot. Blisters may also form on the feet. In some cases, the fungus can spread to the nails, causing them to thicken, crumble or change color. Symptoms of a bacterial infection include red streaks on the foot and swelling. The foot may also feel warm if you touch it. If you experience any of these symptoms, develop a fever or notice pus forming anywhere on your foot, call your doctor.
Risk Factors
Spending hours running in wet socks and shoes can increase your chance of developing athlete’s feet, since the fungus thrives and multiplies in wet conditions. Running in synthetic socks that trap sweat can keep your feet wet with perspiration. Men and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop the infection, MayoClinic.com warns. You might also be at increased risk if you use public locker rooms or showers or go to a public swimming pool. People who tend to have sweaty feet might also be more likely to develop athlete’s foot.
Treatment and Prevention
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments and powders containing butenafine, miconazole, tolnaftate or clotrimazole can be helpful in treating athlete’s foot and relieving symptoms. The MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia recommends using the medication for 1 to 2 weeks after the infection clears to prevent it from returning. If your infection doesn’t improve after treatment with over-the-counter medication, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications. Antibiotics are helpful in treating the symptoms of a bacterial infection.
Keeping the feet dry can help you feel more comfortable while you recover from the infection and will help prevent a new infection. Alternating running shoes will allow enough time for any sweat trapped in the shoes to dry completely before you wear the shoes again. Choosing socks made of breathable fibers, such as cotton, or made from materials that help remove sweat from the skin, can also help.
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