Athlete's foot can leave your feet feeling uncontrollably itchy, dry, and burning. Proper foot care is essential to avoiding and managing athlete's foot, but you should also understand what type of athlete's foot you have. While all types are caused by a fungal infection, they present different symptoms based on the affected areas of the feet and toes.

3 Common Kinds of Athlete's Foot

1. Interdigital

An interdigital fungal infection affects the webbing between the toes. Because this area is compact, dark, and moist, it makes for the perfect breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria. Dry, scaly skin, a burning sensation, and uncomfortably itchiness between the toes are all typical for interdigital athlete's foot. This particular variety often starts between the pinkie toe but can spread to the rest of the toes. Always wash and dry your feet thoroughly each day, and make sure shoes are completely dry before putting them on.

2. Moccasin

The moccasin strain of athlete's foot develops on the sole. As it grows, it can encompass the heel and go up the sides of the foot, even potentially reaching the toes and infecting them, too. Symptoms include dryness, tenderness, and itchiness on the bottom of the foot, eventually turning into cracking and peeling. Many topical foot care treatments are not effective at combating moccasin-style infections, so oral medications are often prescribed.

3. Vesicular

A vesicular infection manifests as blisters — usually between the toes. These blisters can be itchy and painful, and if they burst, they could cause a bacterial infection. When advanced to this stage, antibiotics may be the prescribed course of treatment. A good foot care rule of thumb to help avoid a vesicular infection — or any other type of athlete's foot — is to remove shoes when you're at home so your feet have a chance to breathe and be exposed to the air; this can go a long way in preventing fungal infections.

Feet are more delicate than one might initially realize, and an issue like athlete's foot can make life downright unbearable. Let podiatrist Louise E. Tortora, DPM, help. She provides Fairfield County, Connecticut, residents with various foot care and treatment and can help you find relief from athlete's foot, heel pain, bunions, nail fungus, or any other issue. She sees patients at her Fairfield office and performs surgeries at Bridgeport Hospital. Schedule an appointment by calling (203) 254-0093, visiting her online, or messaging her on Facebook.