Athlete’s Foot is a Local Massage Therapy and Bodywork Contraindication

Athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is an infection of the skin and feet that can be caused by a variety of different fungi. Although athlete’s foot can affect any portion of the foot, the infection is most often between the toes. Athlete’s foot is typically characterized by skin fissures or scales that can be red and itchy.

Athlete’s foot is spread through contact with infected skin scales or contact with fungi in damp areas (for example, showers, locker rooms, whirlpools, etc.) Athlete’s foot can be a chronic infection that can recur frequently.

Appropriate hygiene techniques may help to prevent or control Athlete’s foot.[i]

WebMD reports: “Athlete's foot is mildly contagious. It can be spread through direct contact with the infection and by skin particles left on towels, shoes, or floors.”[ii]

Bodyworkers should avoid working directly on or around athlete’s foot. 

They should also make sure that all areas touched by this infection (i.e. the floors, linens, etc.) are disinfected. 

It is always best to seek approval and/or direction for services from a medical physician regarding medical conditions.

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[i] National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. “Water, Sanitation & Environmentally-Related Hygiene.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  6 Feb. 2017, www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/athletes_foot.html.

[ii] Debra, Debra MD. “Understanding Athlete's Foot -- the Basics.” WebMD, WebMD, reviewed on: 9 Mar. 2017, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-athletes-foot-basics.