Can You Get Athlete’s Foot on Your Hands?

The fungal infection known as athlete’s foot can affect men, women, and children. Contrary to the name of this itchy, burning, contagious rash, athlete’s foot can affect anyone, regardless of athleticism. Even worse, if you’re not careful, you can get athlete’s foot on your hands and other areas of the body.

Here’s a look at how you get athlete’s foot, how you can treat it, how RxSaver coupons can save you money on prescriptions to treat athlete’s foot, and tips for preventing this irritating fungal infection.

What is athlete’s foot?

The medical name for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis, which refers to a fungal infection that typically first appears between the toes. The same fungus which causes ringworm and jock itch is responsible for athlete’s foot, though the symptoms are different.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

A red, scaly, itchy rash appearing between your toes is often the first indication that you have athlete’s foot. You may also develop symptoms including:

• Red blisters
• Severe dryness
• Scaly skin on soles of feet
• Scaly skin on the sides of feet
• Thickening skin on feet
• Flaking skin on feet
• Cracking skin on feet

How do you get athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection. Specifically, athlete’s foot is caused by fungi belonging to the group known as dermatophytes. On occasion, athlete’s foot may be caused by yeast (candida), but this is rare.

Fungi are known for thriving in warm and moist environments, so socks that are damp with sweat are the perfect environment for developing athlete’s foot.

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can also live on surfaces, so those who regularly go barefoot are at greater risk for catching athlete’s foot. You are particularly likely to catch athlete’s foot if you walk barefoot in warm, moist environments such as public pools, locker rooms, and saunas.

You can also get athlete’s foot from walking on shared floor mats or rugs, wearing the clothes of someone who has it, or sleeping in the same bed with someone who has athlete’s foot.

Can athlete’s foot spread?

The name athlete’s foot is a bit misleading because athlete’s foot can spread. Athlete’s foot may develop in areas of the body which are in contact with the infected area.

Athletes Foot on Hands and Arms

Athlete’s foot can develop on your hands if you pick or scratch at the site of the infection and then touch your hands or arms.

Athlete’s Foot in Your Nails

The fungal infection in your feet can easily spread to your toenails, which is why it’s so important to treat athlete’s foot at the first sign of symptoms.

Athlete’s Foot in the Groin

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is the same fungus that causes jock itch, and it’s common for the infection to spread from your feet to your groin, traveling via a towel, or your hands.

What medications treat athlete’s foot?

For mild cases of athlete’s foot, over the counter, anti-fungal creams and powders may help clear up the infection in just a couple of weeks. However, athlete’s foot is known to be challenging to treat. So, you may need your health care provider to prescribe a prescription-strength antifungal medication.

Ketoconazole for Athlete’s Foot

If you’ve developed a serious case of athlete’s foot that is difficult to cure, your health care provider may prescribe the brand name drug Nizoral, or its generic ketoconazole. Ketoconazole cream belongs to a class of drugs known as azole antifungals, which stops the growth of fungus.

The RxSaver price for ketoconazole at major retail pharmacies starts at $9.66

Econazole Nitrate for Athlete’s Foot

Econazole nitrate is a prescription-strength antifungal cream that may be prescribed to treat athlete’s foot. It helps to kill fungus, and prevent the growth of fungus. Many patients see their athlete’s foot clear up within a week of using the cream.

The RxSaver price for econazole nitrate at major retail pharmacies starts at $7.04

Terbinafine for Athlete’s Foot

Terbinafine Hcl is the generic medication for the brand name drug Lamisil. It is an oral antifungal medication that works by stopping the growth of fungus.

The RxSaver price for Terbinafine Hcl at major retail pharmacies starts at $10.78

Fluconazole for Athlete’s Foot

Fluconazole is the generic for Diflucan. It is an oral antifungal medication that is effective in stopping the growth of certain types of fungus.

The RxSaver price for fluconazole at major retail pharmacies starts at $8.21

Itraconazole for Athlete’s Foot

The brand name drug Sporanox is available as a generic called itraconazole and is used to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Available by prescription only, itraconazole treats athlete’s foot by stopping the growth of fungi.

The RxSaver price for itraconazole at major retail pharmacies starts at $55.71

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Anyone can catch athlete’s foot, but you can also reduce the likelihood that you’ll get it through preventative measures such as:

• Drying your feet thoroughly after bathing
• Wearing shoes that are breathable and/or alternate the shoes you wear each day
• Wearing shower shoes, flip flops, sandals in the locker room and to and from the pool
• Washing your feet daily
• Avoiding sharing towels, rugs, or bed linens with anyone who has athlete’s foot
• Wearing moisture-wicking or quick-drying socks

If you notice any symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is smart to be proactive. Begin using an over the counter antifungal powder or cream. If the fungal infection hasn’t cleared up within a week or so, be sure to contact your health care provider.

Ketoconazole: 2 % / 120 ml Econazole Nitrate: 1 % | 1 tube

Terbinafine HCL: 250 mg | 30 tablets

Fluconazole: 150 mg | 2 tablets

Itraconazole: 100 mg | 30 capsules

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 10/14/2020. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.