What is the difference between athlete's foot and corns?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 06, 2024

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Athlete's foot and corns, although both are skin diseases, are quite different with many distinctions. First, athlete's foot is a fungal infection causing dermatophytosis, while corns are skin conditions formed by prolonged standing or chronic friction and pressure. Additionally, the treatment for athlete's foot involves antifungal medications, whereas corns can be treated with the application of corn ointments. It is advisable to wear loose and breathable shoes and maintain good personal hygiene. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Xia Min

Traditional Chinese Medicine

1min 26sec

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The difference between pitted keratolysis and athlete's foot

Palmoplantar pustulosis, corresponding to hand fungus in Western medicine, typically affects adults, but can be contracted by individuals of any age, both male and female. It often affects one hand, but can also spread to both. Symptoms are more severe with blistering in the summer, while in winter, dryness and pain are more pronounced. The characteristic lesions begin with blisters on the palms and between the fingers, with the skin on the palm becoming keratinized, flaky, and blistered. After repeated outbreaks, the skin on the palm thickens, becomes dry and cracked, painful, and hindered in flexibility, resembling a goose's foot, hence the name "goose's foot wind." Athlete's foot, equivalent to tinea pedis in Western medicine, is named for its symptoms of maceration and itchiness of the soles, accompanied by a distinctive odor. It primarily affects the spaces between the toes but can also appear on the soles of the feet. The main features are blisters between the toes, maceration, oozing, excessive keratinization, flaking, and itching. There are clear differences between these two conditions.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

38sec

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What is the difference between athlete's foot and tinea pedis?

Athlete's foot and tinea pedis are two names for the same disease, referring to a contagious disease caused by fungal infections. It often manifests as blisters or peeling skin on the soles of the feet or between the toes, with severe itching. If symptoms are severe, cracking or bleeding may occur. It is advisable to treat this disease as soon as it appears, using antifungal creams for a longer course of treatment to fully eradicate the infection. After recovery, it is important to prevent recurrence by avoiding public baths and swimming pools, sun-disinfecting worn socks and shoes, and treating other infected family members simultaneously.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

32sec

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The difference between athlete's foot and foot odor

Athlete's foot and tinea pedis are two completely identical diseases, with no differences between them, differing only in what they are called. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common skin disease caused by fungal infections. Symptoms of athlete's foot include flaking, peeling, itching, and blisters. It is advisable to treat it with antifungal creams, and to maintain cleanliness, keep the feet dry, and avoid sharing shoes and socks.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

49sec

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Is athlete's foot the same as foot odor?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is the same disease but with two different names, both caused by fungal infections. The most common symptoms include blisters, erosion, or even exudation on the soles of the feet or between toes. It typically presents with severe itching and possibly pain. Once detected, it is crucial to apply antifungal cream twice daily as early as possible. The treatment duration should be long enough to completely kill the deeply rooted fungi and prevent recurrence. Regular wearing of breathable shoes helps, and frequent sun exposure for disinfection of socks and shoes is advisable to avoid cross-infection. Avoid public baths, swimming, and contact with small animals. (Please use medications under medical supervision.)

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 31sec

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Is peeling skin on the feet without itchiness athlete's foot?

Peeling skin on the feet without itching is associated with hyperkeratotic athlete's foot, commonly found on the palms, toes, and heels where the skin is dry. The thickening of the stratum corneum is evident, with a rough surface, scaling, and deepened skin grooves. In winter, cracks and even bleeding might occur, and it can be painful. This type of athlete's foot generally does not have obvious itching symptoms. In addition to the hyperkeratotic type, common types of athlete's foot include the vesicular and the macerated type, both of which are notably itchy. The vesicular type typically occurs on fingertips, palms, soles, and sides of the feet. Initially, the lesions are small, deep blisters with clear fluid and thick walls that are not easily ruptured. Blisters can be scattered or clustered, and may merge into larger blisters. Removing the blister wall can expose a honeycomb-like base and a bright red eroded surface. The disease progress spreads to surrounding areas, stabilizing primarily with scaling and significant itching. The macerated type occurs frequently between toes, especially in people with sweaty hands and feet, those who are exposed to water often, or who regularly wear rubber shoes. It occurs more often in summer and is associated with noticeable itching. If a bacterial infection occurs secondary to this condition, a foul odor can also be present.