The infections can also occur in other areas of the body.
Athletes are not the only people who can get athlete’s foot.
It can infect anyone.
Burak Karademir / Getty Images
More severe infections can include oozing or crusted blisters and small pimple-like bumps.
Here are other conditions that cause foot bumps:
Cystsare fluid-filled sacs that develop near joints or tendons.
Plantar wartsare bumps on the bottom of the foot brought on by the papillomavirus.
They have a scaly appearance with black/purple dots.
Plantar fibromasare bumps or nodules of fibrous tissue embedded in the plantar fascia.
Treatment may be needed if they are fast growing or painful.
They are both rare and benign (not cancer-causing).
The area can feel itchy and burn.
Diagnosis
Many cases of athlete’s foot are diagnosed entirely by appearance.
A healthcare provider will look at the skin and determine if the rash is indeed athlete’s foot.
Treatment
Athlete’s foot can typically be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders.
They may prescribe an oral antifungal medication or a prescription cream to go on the skin.
Thankfully, this is rare and only in serious cases of athlete’s foot.
This includes pools, locker rooms, and showers.
Keep feet clean and dry.
Toenails should be cut short and kept clean.
Keeping feet dry can help prevent the fungi that cause athlete’s foot from growing.
Change wet socks and wear shoes that allow plenty of ventilation.
A healthcare provider anddermatologistcan diagnose athlete’s foot based on its appearance.
In some cases, healthcare providers may need to do additional testing to rule out other types of infections.
Home treatment for athlete’s foot includes over-the-counter creams and powders.
If the rash doesn’t improve, a healthcare provider can prescribe oral or topical medication.
However, many different types of rashes can have similar symptoms.
Contact a healthcare provider to get a definitive diagnosis and start prompt treatment.
While you have the infection, keep your feet dry and clean.
Don’t let your skin touch other people’s skin, and avoid using public showers or pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Athlete’s foot bumps should be kept clean and dry.
Apply over-the-counter athlete’s foot cream or any prescription that a healthcare provider has prescribed.
Avoid popping the bumps, as it can cause an infection.
No, do not pop athlete’s foot blisters.
This opens the blister up, removing the protective layer or skin.
Without the skin protected, there is an increased chance of developing another infection.
Over-the-counter medication usually clears up athlete’s foot in one to two weeks.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hygiene-related diseases.
2018;11:1-7. doi:10.2147/ORR.S154289
MedlinePlus.Pompholyx eczema.
Athletes Foot:Overview.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care(IQWiG).
