Athlete's Foot, Ringworm and Jock Itch in Brampton: A Guide for Active People

If you play sports, work out at a gym, swim at a community pool, or simply spend long days in work boots, there is a good chance you have met a fungal skin infection at some point. Itchy, peeling skin between the toes, a red ring on the arm, or an irritating rash in the groin after a summer of soccer are all common examples. These infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, and they spread easily in places like change rooms and shared showers.

Fungal skin infections are rarely serious for healthy people, but they can be persistent, itchy and embarrassing. Many respond well to non-prescription treatments when used correctly and for long enough. They also tend to come back if the conditions that allowed them to grow are not addressed.

This guide explains the most common fungal skin infections, how to tell them apart from other rashes, how treatment works and how to prevent them. Ontario pharmacists can assess several of these conditions, and the team at Pharmasave WestBram, 100 Pertosa Drive in Brampton, is happy to help.

Why fungi love sweaty skin

The fungi that cause most skin infections in this group are called dermatophytes. They feed on keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin, hair and nails. They thrive where skin is warm, damp and enclosed: between the toes in tight shoes, in skin folds, and under sweaty clothing.

These fungi spread through direct skin contact and through contact with contaminated surfaces like floors, mats, towels, combs and clothing. Pets, particularly cats and dogs, and farm animals can also carry some types.

The medical name for these infections is tinea, followed by a word describing the location. Athlete’s foot is tinea pedis, jock itch is tinea cruris, and ringworm on the body is tinea corporis. Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms.

Athlete’s foot: the most common type

Athlete’s foot usually starts between the toes, especially between the fourth and fifth toes. Signs include:

• Itching, stinging or burning
• Peeling, cracking or white, soggy skin between the toes
• Redness, scaling or dryness on the soles or sides of the feet
• Sometimes small blisters

It is common among people who wear enclosed shoes for long periods, sweat heavily, or walk barefoot in shared showers, pool decks and gym change rooms. Warehouse and construction workers in safety boots, students in school gyms and recreational athletes are all at risk.

Left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails, where it is harder to treat, or to the hands and groin. Cracks in the skin can also let bacteria in, which matters especially for people with diabetes or circulation problems.

Ringworm on the body

Ringworm on the body typically appears as a round or oval patch with a raised, scaly, sometimes red border and clearer skin in the centre, giving it a ring-like look. On darker skin, the border may appear brown, grey or purplish. It is often itchy and may slowly expand outward.

It commonly affects the arms, legs, trunk and face. Contact sports such as wrestling, sharing gym mats, and close contact with infected pets or people are common routes of spread. Children often pick it up at school or from pets.

Ringworm of the scalp, which mostly affects children, needs a different approach because creams cannot reach the hair follicles well. It usually requires prescription oral treatment from a doctor.

Learn about pharmacist assessment on our ringworm page.

Jock itch

Jock itch affects the groin, inner thighs and sometimes the buttocks. It typically causes a red or brownish, itchy rash with a clear edge that spreads outward from the groin crease. It usually spares the scrotum, which can help distinguish it from yeast infections and other rashes.

It is more common in people who sweat heavily, wear tight clothing or athletic gear, or have athlete’s foot, since the fungus can spread from the feet to the groin via hands or towels. Putting socks on before underwear can help prevent this transfer.

Ontario pharmacists can assess jock itch; see our jock itch page.

Other rashes that look similar

Not every scaly, itchy rash is fungal. Look-alikes include:

• Eczema, which can form round patches (nummular eczema)
• Psoriasis, which causes well-defined plaques with silvery scale
• Contact dermatitis, from shoes, soaps or laundry products
• Yeast infections, often in skin folds, which may have small “satellite” spots
• Chafing and irritation, without the advancing border of a fungal rash
• Bacterial infections, which may involve pain, warmth and pus

Using a steroid cream on a fungal infection can temporarily reduce redness and itch while allowing the fungus to spread, sometimes changing its appearance and making diagnosis harder. If you are not sure what a rash is, ask a pharmacist before applying a steroid.

How antifungal treatment works

Several antifungal creams, sprays, powders and gels are available without a prescription. Common ingredients include terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole and tolnaftate. They work by stopping fungi from growing or by killing them, depending on the ingredient.

A few general tips:

• Wash and dry the area thoroughly before applying.
• Apply to the rash and a margin of normal-looking skin around it.
• Use the product for the full length of time on the label.
• Wash your hands after applying.

A very common mistake is stopping treatment as soon as the itch improves. Fungi can persist in the skin even after symptoms ease, so the rash comes back. Continue for the full recommended time, which for some products extends beyond when the skin looks clear. Follow your label and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Powders can be helpful for keeping feet and skin folds dry, either as treatment or prevention.

When a pharmacist can help, and when to see a doctor

Ontario pharmacists can assess and, where appropriate, prescribe for ringworm, jock itch and certain other fungal skin conditions under the minor ailment program. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, look at the rash if needed and recommend a suitable treatment or refer you.

See a doctor if:

• The rash is widespread or spreading despite treatment
• It is on the scalp or involves the nails
• You have diabetes, a weakened immune system or circulation problems
• There are signs of bacterial infection, such as increasing pain, warmth, swelling or pus
• The rash has not improved after two weeks of proper treatment
• You have fever or feel unwell

Fungal nail infections, which cause thickened, discoloured, crumbly nails, often need a doctor’s assessment and longer treatment.

Preventing reinfection at home and at the gym

Prevention focuses on keeping skin dry and reducing exposure:

• Dry feet thoroughly after washing, especially between the toes.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them if they get damp.
• Rotate shoes so each pair can dry out completely, and consider antifungal powder in shoes.
• Wear sandals or shower shoes in gym change rooms, pool decks and shared showers.
• Do not share towels, socks, shoes, razors or combs.
• Change out of sweaty workout clothes promptly and shower after exercise.
• Wash gym clothes, towels and bedding in hot water where the fabric allows.
• Wipe down shared gym mats and equipment before and after use.
• If a pet has patchy hair loss, have it checked by a veterinarian.

For athletes in contact sports, cover any suspected patch and talk to your coach or trainer about your league’s guidelines before competing.

At home, fungal infections can pass between family members, especially in busy households where bathrooms, towels and slippers are shared. If one person has athlete’s foot or ringworm, it is sensible for them to use their own towel, wipe down the shower floor after use, and avoid walking barefoot around the house until the infection has cleared. Bath mats can be washed in hot water regularly. If several people in the home develop similar rashes, mention it to the pharmacist, because treating everyone at the same time may help stop the infection from bouncing back and forth.

For people who wear safety boots or work shoes all day, consider bringing a spare pair of socks to change into at lunch, and loosen or remove boots during breaks when it is safe to do so. Giving feet a chance to air out, even briefly, reduces the damp, warm conditions that fungi rely on.

People with diabetes should be extra careful

For people with diabetes, athlete’s foot is more than a nuisance. Cracked skin between the toes can let bacteria in, and reduced sensation or circulation may delay noticing an infection. Check feet daily, keep them clean and dry, and ask a pharmacist or doctor promptly about any skin breakdown. Our diabetes support service is another resource for foot care questions.

Get help with fungal rashes at Pharmasave WestBram

Fungal skin infections are common and usually treatable, especially when caught early and treated for the full course. If you are unsure what a rash is or which product to choose, our pharmacists can help.

Visit Pharmasave WestBram at 100 Pertosa Drive, Brampton, ON L6X 0H9, or call (905) 454-5111. You can find us via the contact page or arrange a minor ailment assessment on our booking page.

This article is general information about fungal skin infections. It is not a substitute for assessment by a pharmacist or physician, particularly if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.