How to prepare for a video visit about Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Audience: adult

Athlete’s Foot, also known as Tinea Pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It often causes itching, redness, and peeling skin, especially between the toes. Preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the most out of your appointment. During the visit, you will discuss your symptoms and may show the affected areas on your feet using your camera. The healthcare provider can offer advice on treatment options, such as antifungal creams or hygiene tips, but cannot provide a full diagnosis or prescribe medications without an in-person exam in some cases. If you notice severe symptoms like spreading redness, swelling, or fever, you should seek urgent in-person care. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for Athlete’s Foot, and know when to seek further care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Spreading redness or swelling beyond the foot — seek urgent in-person care.
• Development of fever or chills alongside foot symptoms — seek immediate medical attention.
• Severe pain, pus, or open sores on the foot — see a healthcare provider in person promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of visible symptoms via video.
• Providing guidance on over-the-counter treatments and hygiene.
• Advising when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing laboratory tests or skin scrapings.
• Prescribing certain medications that require physical examination.
• Managing severe infections or complications needing urgent care.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that usually affects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. It can cause itching, burning, redness, scaling, and sometimes blisters. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks and shoes. It is contagious and can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces such as locker room floors.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, clean and dry your feet thoroughly. Make sure your camera can clearly show the affected areas. Have a list of your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you have tried. Prepare to describe any other health conditions or medications you are taking. Find a quiet, well-lit space for your appointment to communicate clearly with your healthcare provider.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Athlete’s Foot

During the video visit, the healthcare provider can assess visible signs of Athlete’s Foot, discuss your symptoms, and recommend over-the-counter treatments or hygiene measures. They can advise on how to prevent spreading the infection and when to seek further care. They can also help decide if an in-person exam or lab tests are needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your symptoms worsen, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or if you develop fever or pus, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Also, if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor circulation, an in-person evaluation is important to avoid complications.

Tips for Managing Athlete’s Foot at Home

Keep your feet clean and dry. Change socks daily and wear breathable shoes. Use antifungal powders or creams as recommended. Avoid walking barefoot in public places. Wash towels and bedding regularly to prevent reinfection.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly before the visit.
• Ensure your camera can clearly show the affected areas of your feet.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and their duration.
• Note any treatments you have already tried.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your appointment.
• Have a list of current medications and health conditions ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment and hygiene advice given during the visit.
• Monitor your symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Keep your feet clean and dry daily.
• Avoid sharing towels or footwear with others.
• Schedule a follow-up if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can Athlete’s Foot go away on its own?

Athlete’s Foot may improve with good foot hygiene, but it often requires antifungal treatment to fully clear the infection. Without treatment, it can persist or spread.

How long does it take to heal Athlete’s Foot?

With proper treatment, symptoms often improve within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take several weeks to completely clear the infection.

Is Athlete’s Foot contagious?

Yes, Athlete’s Foot is contagious. It can spread through direct contact with the infected skin or by touching contaminated surfaces like floors or towels.

Can I use home remedies instead of antifungal creams?

Some home remedies may help soothe symptoms, but antifungal creams or powders are typically needed to effectively treat the infection. Always discuss treatments with your healthcare provider.

When should I see a doctor in person for Athlete’s Foot?

See a doctor in person if symptoms worsen, if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, or if you develop signs of a more serious infection like spreading redness, swelling, or fever.

Sources

1. Athlete's Foot — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Athlete's Foot: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health or your symptoms worsen, please seek care from a healthcare provider in person.