ASK A DOCTOR: WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE ATHLETE'S FOOT UNTREATED?

Expert opinion from Shruti Rodda

MBBS · 3 years of experience · India

Mild athlete's foot even if left untreated doesn't cause any serious problems. But if the severity increases it may spread to toe and fingers leading to fungal infection of nails and nail bed. This causes itching, burning and formation of ulcers. Skin may crack and small blisters may appear on the toes.

Expert opinion from Mohan P. Abraham

M.D., FAAFP (Family Physician) · 40 years of experience · USA

If athlete's is left untreated, it can spread to nail and cause a fungal nail infection. The infection can spread to other parts of the skin such as hands and very rarely can lead to bacterial infection.

Expert opinion from Gustavo Campos

Doctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil

Even though unusual athlete's feet may cause cellulitis, lymphangitis, fungal nail infections, pyoderma and osteomyelitis. There are some populations in great risk for that. Patients with diabetes, chronic edema, immunosuppressed, hemiplegia or paraplegia should be more careful.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to athletes foot.

What are people curious about?
Kidney disease	Asthma children
Myasthenia gravis	Shingles

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

2024-05-09T20:14:24Z dg43tfdfdgfd