Is Eczema the Same as Athlete’s Foot?

If you are wondering, “Is Eczema the same as Athlete’s Foot”? Both skin conditions may have similar symptoms, yet they are different. These similarities can pose problems if you start to develop dry skin, red cracks, or itching and burning on your feet. Do you reach for the eczema cream or apply an antifungal product?

This blog explores the key differences between these common conditions to help you identify them and get the right treatment on time. 

What is an Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s Foot, also known as Tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that generally appears on the feet as a red, itchy, and scaly rash. This skin condition is contagious and is generally transmitted in wet, warm, communal places like gym showers or locker rooms – giving it its colloquial name.  

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms

It usually affects the foot, especially the skin between the toes, toenails, heels, and soles. Some common athlete’s foot symptoms that you will notice are: 

• Itchy skin
• Redness
• Scaly skin
• Stinging and burning sensation
• Peeling and cracking of the skin
• Discolored toenails
• Toenails may pull away from the nail bed

Unfortunately, the symptoms worsen when the feet are placed in warm or enclosed spaces, such as socks or shoes. 

What Causes Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot is an infection caused by a fungus named dermatophytes. It is the same fungus that causes jock itch and rosacea. This fungus feeds on keratin which is naturally present in our body and grows quickly in damp, moist environments.

It is usually transmitted through an infected person or by touching the contaminated surface with your feet. 

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that appears as itching, dryness, swelling, and redness on the skin. When it has been there for a while, it also can appear thickened and darker than the surrounding skin. 

Although it can develop at any time, most people first experience it in the first few years of life. For some, it may resolve over time, but for others, it may become a lifelong condition in the form of eczema flare-ups. 

Symptoms of Foot Eczema

Depending on age, it can appear on eyelids, cheeks, neck, elbows, wrists, and knees. It can also manifest on the feet. When it develops on the foot, it is also known as foot eczema, which can cause the following symptoms on your feet.

• Intense itching
• Dry and rough skin
• Scaly patches of skin
• Red rashes
• Blisters 
• Inflammation
• Skin oozing

What Causes Eczema?

While its exact cause is still unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors that include:

• Genetics
• Impaired skin barrier
• Environmental triggers 

Eczema flare-ups are almost always caused by the skin coming into contact with a trigger like a harsh skincare product, an irritating material or fabric, changes in climate, or even food allergies.

Types of Eczema on Foot

One of the most common types of eczema that may appear on the foot is dyshidrotic eczema. Even though it can appear anywhere on the feet, it is most common around the toes. It can cause intense itching and fluid-filled blisters, making walking difficult. 

Another two types of eczema that can affect the feet are nummular eczema and contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis develops when your feet come in contact with a certain allergen or irritant, such as latex in socks and harsh chemicals in skincare products.

While nummular eczema causes round or coin-shaped rashes on the feet, that cause the skin to become dry and flaky. 

Difference Between Athlete’s Foot and Eczema Foot

Both Athlete’s Foot and eczema on the feet have very similar symptoms, such as:

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Red rashes
• Pus-filled blisters

So, how can you tell if it’s eczema or athlete’s foot? Unlike Athlete’s Foot, which is found on the bottoms of the feet and in between the toes, Eczema is typically found on the tops of feet or ankles.

In severe cases, an athlete’s foot can also lead to nail discoloration. Usually, the nails turn yellow and become thick and flaky, which is not a symptom of eczema. 

One of the main differences between these conditions is that eczema is caused by genetics and environmental factors and is not contagious, while athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus and is contagious. 

As both conditions have overlapping features, distinguishing them can be very difficult, so it is best to visit your doctor or a dermatologist. They can properly diagnose your foot condition and instruct you on the proper treatment.

Athlete’s Foot vs Eczema

	Eczema	Athlete’s Foot
Contagious	No	Yes
Causes	Genetics, impaired skin barrier, and environmental triggers	A fungus
Location	Anywhere on the body	Mostly on feet around the toes
Treatment	Eczema cream, steroids and antihistamines	Anti-fungal medications
Symptom	Can not cause discoloration of nails	Can cause the nails to turn yellow

Treatments of Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot Treatment 

Mild cases are best treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Spray or apply the cream after taking a shower and towel-drying your feet, then slip on socks to keep the medicine on your skin. Be sure to clean your shower or tub after every use so you don’t reinfect yourself.

Your doctor can prescribe a stronger antifungal if you have a more severe case.

How to Soothe Eczema?

The best ways to soothe eczema on the feet are to avoid triggers and perform proper skincare.

Avoid The Triggers

Common triggers include rough or itchy fabrics, extreme heat or cold, restrictive clothing, allergies, and harsh, irritating skincare products. You can pinpoint the trigger by looking for when your symptoms get worse. Do they get worse when you use a certain moisturizer, or do they flare up in winter?

You can also consult a doctor to help you figure out your triggers. Once you know them try your best to avoid them in order to prevent flare-ups.

Eczema Skincare Routine

Proper skincare for eczema helps soothe the rash, repair the skin’s natural barrier to fight off irritants, and prevent future flare-ups. Gently cleanse the skin, focusing more on the irritated area, every day with an eczema shampoo and body wash. 

After cleansing, apply a fragrance-free eczema moisturizing cream to help lock in moisture and protect the skin from irritants. You should apply the moisturizer at least twice daily or more than that if your skin becomes dry more often to prevent the rash from becoming worse.

Choose the Right Products

When choosing products for your eczema skincare, it is essential that you choose those free from harsh chemicals like fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 

The best options for eczema products are the ones that contain skin-soothing natural ingredients like licorice root extract, apple fruit extract, and glycerin and can help maintain your skin’s natural pH level.

Preventing Eczema and Athlete’s Foot

Here is how you can prevent athlete’s foot from becoming worse:

• Keep your skin dry
• Prevent your feet from becoming too sweaty.
• Use socks made with breathable materials such as cotton.
• Don’t share your socks, shoes, or towel. 
• Properly cleanse your feet after taking a swim in a public pool.
• Avoid walking barefoot in moist areas like saunas.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes. 

Even though you can not completely prevent eczema, there are certain things that you can do to prevent flare-ups or an existing one from getting worse, such as:

• Keep your skin moisturized with moisturizing cream for eczema.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. Instead, wear loose ones made with soft, breathable materials. 
• Wash your laundry with fragrance-free detergent.
• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist in your room, house, and office.
• Avoid using hot water for baths, and limit your bath time to 10  minutes maximum.
• Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Use sunscreen or cover your skin while going out in the sun. 

You can do These few things to prevent and soothe your conditions. However, remember, if your condition is not getting better even with proper care and attention, it is best to consult a dermatologist to get the right treatment plan.

Because every skin is different and may need a specific treatment plan. 

Conclusion

Eczema and Athlete’s foot both may cause itchy, red, inflamed skin, and most of their symptoms may appear similar. However, both conditions are different and need different treatment plans. 

An athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus and is contagious, while eczema is caused by a combination of factors and is not contagious. Eczema can be managed with the use of an eczema cleanser and a moisturizing cream for eczema, but an athlete’s foot needs proper anti-fungal medication and creams that should only be used as advised by the doctor. 

Try Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Eczema Skincare Routine to soothe the itching, irritation, and redness and hydrate the skin. 

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