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Warning-sign checks

Athlete's foot: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a clinician sooner if there are open sores, significant blisters, drainage, or signs of bacterial infection.

    People with diabetes, poor circulation, reduced foot sensation, or a weakened immune system should seek individualized advice about new foot rashes or skin breaks.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up with a clinician if the rash does not improve after a full course of nonprescription treatment, repeatedly returns, spreads to the nails or other body areas, or becomes painful.

    An examination or skin test may show that another condition is causing the symptoms.

The article also says

Mild athlete's foot should begin to improve with correctly used antifungal treatment, although scaling and damaged skin may take time to heal.

Check the product label for the expected treatment period.

After the infection clears, continue practical moisture-control measures.

Keep shared footwear and towels separate, change sweaty socks, and allow shoes to dry.

Treating a confirmed fungal nail infection may also reduce recurrence.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Athlete's foot. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.