Quantcast This image displays scaling between the toes typical of tinea pedis (athlete's foot). This image displays scaly, slightly elevated lesions typical of tinea pedis (athlete's foot). The space between the 4th and 5th toe is a frequent location of the start of athlete's foot (tinea pedis). This image displays tinea (athlete's foot) on the bottom area of the foot creeping toward the space between the second and third toes. This image displays red, scaly patches on the instep soles typical of tinea pedis (athlete's foot). Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) can cause blisters, such as this case between the toes. The circular shape of this red, scaling area of skin on the back of the foot demonstrates why tinea is often called "ringworm."
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Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis): This image displays scaling between the toes typical of tinea pedis (athlete's foot). Divider line
This image displays scaling between the toes typical of tinea pedis (athlete's foot).
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Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for athlete's foot include:
  • Spaces (webs) between the toes, especially between the 4th and 5th toes and between the 3rd and 4th toes
  • Soles of the feet
  • Tops of the feet (very unusual in children)
Athlete's foot may affect one or both feet. It can look different, depending on which part of the foot (or feet) is involved and which dermatophyte has caused the infection:
  • Between the toes (the interdigital spaces), athlete's foot may appear as inflamed, scaly, and soggy tissue. Splitting of the skin, called fissures, may be present between or under the toes. This form of athlete's foot tends to be quite itchy.
  • On the sole of the foot (the plantar surface), athlete's foot may appear as pink-to-red skin with scales ranging from mild to widespread (diffuse).
  • On the top of the foot, athlete's foot appears as one or more red, scaly patches ranging in size from 1–5 cm. The border of the affected skin may be raised and may contain bumps, blisters, or scabs. Often, the central portion of the lesion is clear, leading to a ring-like shape and the descriptive (but inaccurate) name "ringworm." 
  • Another type of tinea infection, called bullous tinea pedis, appears as painful and itchy blisters on the arch (instep) and/or the ball of the foot.
  • The most severe form of the infection, called ulcerative tinea pedis, appears as painful blisters, pus-filled bumps (pustules), and shallow ulcers. These lesions are especially common between the toes but may involve the entire sole. Because of the numerous breaks in the skin, lesions commonly become infected with bacteria. Ulcerative tinea pedis occurs most frequently in people with diabetes and others with weakened immune systems.
Last Modified: 25 Aug 2008

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