Athlete's Foot or Eczema? What Active Feet May Be Trying to Tell You
Itchy feet after a workout can be frustrating. A rash between the toes may have several explanations, including athlete's foot, eczema or contact dermatitis. These conditions need different care, and symptoms alone do not always identify the cause.
Two conditions, different treatment plans
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection, also called tinea pedis. CDC describes peeling, itching and other changes between toes; the sole or heel may also be involved, and severe cases can blister. Eczema is an inflammatory condition and can also cause itch or skin changes. Both are possible; do not assume one excludes the other.
| What you notice | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Peeling or itching between toes | Keep feet clean and dry and seek a diagnosis if symptoms persist or you are unsure. |
| A rash that matches shoe contact | Tell your clinician which shoes and materials contact the area; contact dermatitis is one possibility. |
| A painful, spreading or draining area | Seek prompt medical assessment rather than continuing to train through it. |
| Diabetes, impaired circulation or reduced foot sensation | Ask your healthcare team early about any new foot problem. |
Why diagnosis matters
CDC notes that fungal infections may resemble eczema and that an incorrect diagnosis can delay care. Steroid creams used on an unrecognized fungal infection can make it worse. A clinician may examine the area or recommend testing. Follow the treatment plan and the directions for any antifungal medication recommended to you.
Wash feet regularly, dry between the toes, change damp socks and wear well-fitting footwear. In shared locker rooms, protective footwear and not sharing towels can help reduce exposure to fungi. Follow your healthcare team's specific advice if you have a condition affecting your feet.
Moisturizer has a different job
Moisturizer can be used for dry skin where appropriate, but it does not kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot. Do not put a rich cream between damp toes as a substitute for assessment or antifungal treatment.
Dr. Arsy Hydration Recovery Moisturizer #003 is a fragrance-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Use according to its label and your skin's tolerance. It is not a substitute for prescribed medicine or a treatment for an infection.
Related reading: active feet, socks and shoes and shared-mat hygiene.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: ringworm symptoms, including athlete's foot.
- CDC: clinical overview and diagnosis of fungal skin infections.
- CDC: foot hygiene.
- CDC: treatment of ringworm.
Educational information from Dr. Arsy, not individual medical advice. Cited organizations and researchers do not endorse this product.