Facts and myths

You've probably heard myths before about athlete's foot. To make sure you know what's true and what's not, here we shed light on some common ones.

Only athletes get athlete's foot: False. Athlete's foot common name leads to a lot of confusion about the skin fungus: you neither have to be an athlete to get it, nor do all athletes have it.

Though the name can be misleading, there is an explanation of its origin. The conditions under which many athletes train and perform are ideal breeding grounds for this common fungal infection that requires warm, moist environments to grow. Moreover, because many athletes bathe in communal showers after practice, if one person is infected with athlete's foot, the highly contagious fungus can quickly spread to others.
Women can't get athlete's foot: False. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that can affect both men and women.

Statistically speaking, there are more reported cases of the infection among men. However, this may be explained by behaviours more common among men than women, such as using communal showers at sports clubs.
Athlete's foot is harmless: False. When a person first becomes infected with athlete's foot it is a superficial infection on the skin. While not "harmless", most cases of athlete's foot can easily be treated at this stage.

But if left untreated, the fungus can spread and become more severe, making it harder to get rid of. In some cases, untreated athlete's foot can lead to complications like an aggressive and resistant bacterial infection in the affected area, or to an allergic reaction caused by proteins that enter the bloodstream. For this reason, it is important to properly treat athlete's foot with medication for the recommended course of time, and to follow the self-care tips to prevent athlete's foot from coming back.
Athlete's foot goes away on its own: False. If you have athlete's foot, it's highly recommended to treat it with medication. It will not simply go away on its own, and not treating it can make it worse - and in some cases lead to complications.
Athlete's foot has to be treated just once: It depends. If you select a medication for treating athlete's foot that is specifically for a one-time use, then you only have to apply treatment once - although the treatment works over a longer period of time to thoroughly fight the infection. With treatments that are not specifically for one-time-use, it is very important to follow the course of treatment for as long as directed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Failing to do so puts you at very high risk of facing another bout of athlete's foot.
It's eliminated when symptoms disappear: False. This is a common misconception that often leads to recurrence and repeated infections with athlete's foot.
Athlete's foot cannot be eliminated: Usually false. Most cases of athlete's foot can be treated with proper medication. A small percentage of sufferers have a chronic infection, which requires prolonged and more extensive treatment. If you suspect you have a chronic infection talk to your doctor.
Only people with poor hygiene get it: False. Even if you have good hygiene, you could become infected with athlete's foot. However, by taking proper care of your feet and following prevention tips, you can minimize your risk of athlete's foot. This is especially important if you are part of a risk group.
I'm infected if I come into contact with it: False. No two humans are exactly alike, and not everyone reacts the same when they come in contact with athlete's foot.

Just because you may have come in contact with the fungus does not mean that you are infected, but the condition is highly contagious. If you think you have come in contact with it, you should follow the guidelines for good foot care, and watch out for any of the common symptoms.