Fungal infection between the toes: what it is, what it looks like and where it comes from

The skin between the toes is a narrow, warm and almost always moist area that we rarely examine. That is exactly where foot fungus most often develops. Below: what this infection is, what it looks like and in which situations a doctor's examination is required.

What is fungus between the toes

Foot fungus, or athlete's foot, is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot; the medical name is tinea pedis, or ringworm of the foot. In terms of frequency, it is the most common type of fungal infection. The fungus can affect any part of the foot, but most often develops between the toes; the next most common area is the sole. The same fungus can affect the nails and hands. Worldwide, about 15% of the population suffers from it, men more often than women, and the peak occurs in older children and young people. The disease was first described in 1908.

What interdigital mycosis looks like: signs

One of the main signs is itchy white patches between the toes. The skin may look reddened, although this is less noticeable on brown or black skin. There may be painful and flaky patches, cracks, and sometimes the skin bleeds. Other symptoms: itching and redness, burning or tingling pain, blisters that ooze or become crusted. The lesion may involve the soles and the sides of the feet, and sometimes fluid-filled blisters appear. If the infection is not treated, it spreads to the nails and causes fungal nail infection.

Where foot fungus comes from and how infection occurs

Infection occurs through contact with infected skin or with the fungus in the environment. You can become infected by walking barefoot where a person with fungus has been, especially in locker rooms and showers, as well as by touching affected skin. The fungus survives well in warm, damp places — swimming pools and locker rooms; it can also be transmitted from animals. The risk is higher if the feet are wet or sweaty, the skin is damaged, there is a minor injury to the skin or nail, you wear closed shoes, especially with a plastic lining, or you keep your feet damp for a long time.

How fungus between the toes is diagnosed

A doctor usually makes the diagnosis simply by examining the skin. If clarification is needed, a small skin scraping is taken from the foot and sent to a laboratory. A simple KOH test is used to detect fungus, along with a skin culture, as well as a skin biopsy with special PAS staining. Eczema and contact dermatitis produce similar pictures, so the examination is sometimes supplemented with laboratory confirmation.

What complications are possible

Without treatment, the infection spreads to the nails, making them discolored, thick, and even destroyed. The fungus can spread to other parts of the body, for example the hands, and can occur together with other fungal and yeast skin infections. Scratching the skin can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if pharmacy treatment does not help, if you experience severe pain, if the foot or leg is hot, painful and red (redness is less noticeable on brown or black skin), if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, for example the hands, and also if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. You should also see a doctor when symptoms do not resolve within 2–4 weeks of self-care.

• itchy white patches between the toes
• flaking, cracks, sometimes bleeding of the skin
• redness, burning or tingling pain
• blisters that ooze or become crusted

On its own, it is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if the foot is swollen and hot to the touch, especially with red streaks or pain, and also with pus, discharge and fever: these are possible signs of a bacterial infection.

This material is for reference: it helps you recognize the problem, but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer