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Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot: 4 Main Differences

Dealing with skin conditions like eczema or athlete’s foot can be frustrating, as the irritation often prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities. Although both conditions share symptoms like swelling, dryness, and itching, they are distinct disorders. Specifically, athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that mainly affects the toes, while eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder often influenced by genetics and environmental factors.

In this article, you will learn the key differences between eczema vs athlete’s foot, including their causes, symptoms, and ways to avoid them.

What is Eczema?

Commonly mistaken for athlete's foot, eczema is a long-term, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry, itchy patches with common flare-ups that can temporarily worsen symptoms.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, approximately 31 million Americans suffer from eczema, which can develop at any age.


What is Athlete's Foot?

A key distinction between athlete's foot and foot eczema is its fungal nature, which spreads from one person to another. Athlete’s foot symptoms can sometimes involve the soles and heels but often include redness, itching, and cracked or peeling skin (Cleveland Clinic, 2021, Athlete’s foot: What it looks like, symptoms & treatment).

Antifungal oral or topical treatments are required to relieve symptoms and promote skin healing effectively.


Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot: 4 Key Differences

To properly address various skin disorders, it matters to figure out how they differ. Here are four key differences to tell eczema vs athlete’s foot apart (Cleveland Clinic, 2021, Athlete’s foot: What it looks like, symptoms & treatment; Mayo Clinic, 2023, Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - symptoms and causes; National Eczema Association, 2017, What is eczema?).

Eczema

Athlete’s Foot

Causes

Eczema is caused by genetics and immune factors in coordination with environmental irritants or allergens like chemicals, fragrances, certain food, or dyes (National Eczema Association, 2017, What is eczema?).

Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophyte fungi, commonly found in moist, warm environments like locker rooms, showers, or swimming pools. Unlike eczema, athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread easily through direct contact or shared spaces (Cleveland Clinic, 2021, Athlete’s foot: What it looks like, symptoms & treatment)

Symptoms

According to the National Eczema Association and Mayo Clinic, eczema symptoms vary between individuals.
Most common: 

• Dryness

• Rough, scaly, or tough patches 

• Sensitive or itchy skin 

• Inflamed, discolored skin areas
• Swelling in different areas 

• Oozing or crusting in severe cases

Cleveland Clinic indicates athlete’s foot symptoms include: 

• Itchy, red, peeling skin. 

• Cracking or fissures, especially between toes. 

• Scaling on the soles. 

• Odor due to fungal overgrowth and sweat accumulation.

Where it develops

Mayo Clinic indicates that eczema often occurs where the skin flexes — inside the elbows, behind the knees and in front of the neck.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, athlete's foot may affect the skin between your toes, the tops, bottoms, edges of your feet and heels. Your skin may seem dry, scaly, or inflamed (red, purple, gray, or white).

Contagion risk

Eczema doesn’t transfer from one person to another as eczema develops because of genes interacting with environmental triggers (National Eczema Association, 2017, What is eczema?).

Athlete’s foot is contagious as it’s a fungus thriving on skin, especially in warm and moist conditions (Cleveland Clinic, 2021, Athlete’s foot: What it looks like, symptoms & treatment).



How to Manage Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot

Although both conditions affect the skin, they require distinct management approaches. Here’s what you need to know to effectively treat eczema and athlete’s foot.

Tips for Managing Eczema

Treatment may vary based on the severity and cause of your eczema. A healthcare professional can recommend the best approach. Work with an allergist or your doctor to identify and avoid known triggers to prevent flare-ups. If needed, you can discuss options like topical immunomodulators, light therapy (phototherapy), or oral/injectable medications.

Here are some other additional tips :

  • Use Active ReLeaf Spot Gel - a skincare product formulated for soothing and moisturizing irritated skin, particularly effective for eczema.

  • Consider phototherapy or oral/injectable medications under medical guidance.

  • Avoid harsh soaps; opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.


Tips for Managing Athlete’s Foot

Managing an athlete's foot effectively helps alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Here are some practical tips to help you keep this condition under control:

  • Ensure your feet are always clean and dry as fungi thrive in the moist environment between your toes

  • Breathable footwear is ideal for promoting air circulation and reducing the risk of fungal growth

  • Avoid scratching the affected areas as this may lead to increased discomfort or secondary infection


How to Prevent Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot

Preventing eczema and athlete’s foot requires different approaches, tailored to each condition’s specific triggers and causes


Eczema Prevention Tips

Identifying the irritants and avoiding them can help reduce eczema flare-ups

  • Don’t experiment with new skincare products without consulting your doctor; always choose appropriate emollients for sensitive skin

  • Wear loose-fitting cotton garments to prevent irritation.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consider using a humidifier.

  • Make sure you use unscented laundry detergents.

  • Avoid hot baths or rapid temperature changes to protect your skin.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention Tips

Maintaining proper foot hygiene and avoiding environments where fungi thrive are essential steps to prevent athlete's foot.

  • Wash your feet daily with soap and water, then dry thoroughly between the toes to prevent fungal growth.

  • Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal areas like pools and locker rooms.

  • Wear moisture-wicking clothes and footwear.

  • Choose shoes with adequate airflow and stay away from overly tight ones. Remove your shoes whenever possible to allow your feet to breathe.

  • To remove fungus spores, wash your socks, blankets, and towels at high temperatures on a regular basis.


When You Should See a Doctor

If a fresh or severe rash doesn't go away in a few days, get medical help. Consult a healthcare professional for any queries you have concerning your symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment. Better results can result from prompt action.


Phoilex for Effective Care

Proper treatment and care of skin conditions require understanding the differences between eczema vs athlete’s foot. Each condition needs specific treatments to alleviate symptoms and maintain healthy skin.

Phoilex offers a range of soothing solutions, including the Active ReLeaf Spot Gel and Active ReLeaf Spot Gel, suitable for all skin types, especially for those with eczema and psoriasis. Explore Phoilex’s products to support healthy, comfortable skin.


FAQs

1. Can eczema be mistaken for an athlete's foot?

Yes, because both conditions manifest redness, dryness, and itching, leading to confusion. Consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

2. Can I use eczema cream on an athlete's foot?

No, eczema cream won’t work for an athlete's foot. Use antifungal treatments for fungal infections.

3. Can you have athlete's foot and eczema at the same time?

Yes, both conditions can occur simultaneously. If you're unsure, visit a podiatrist or dermatologist for proper management.



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