The 2009 study had 78 female subjects -- all participants in the July session of the CheerAll camp in Arlington -- aged 18 to 23 who identified themselves as having suffered two or more symptoms of athlete's foot in the past three years.
- 26 identified themselves as suffering symptoms at the time of the study ... 23 of these were attempting treatment with OTC medication.
- of 78, 58 had sought some sort of professional medical treatment (including consultations with the camp nurse (44), who generally provided Lamisil cream to treat the main condition and Absorbine Jr. liquid to those who complained of severe itching and/or burning [> 90%]) ... 13 had used prescription medication at some point.
- of 78, 53 identified itching as the most irritating symptom, 19 identified burning, and 4 identified pain/soreness.
- of 78, 18 identified peeling as a major symptom.
- of 78, 67 said their condition had frequently influenced their choice of footwear ... 53 said they always/almost always avoided closed shoes in favor of sandals and flip-flops.
- of 78, 68 said the condition had limited their routine life activities at least once ... 59 identified it as limiting their ability to participate in cheerleading activities on at least three occasions.
- of 78, 24 identified their most severe reaction as "being brought to tears" by the discomfort of the condition ... 14 said they had shed tears due to the condition on at least three occasions.
- of 78, 31 said they generally carry at least one form of athlete's foot treatment with them at most times ... 14 identified Absorbine Jr. or another anti-itch remedy, 11 Lamisil cream, 9 Tinactin cream.
- of 78, 74 said they knew at least one other female in the age category who also has suffered from athlete's foot.
- of 78, 61 identified their condition as "chronic" or "recurring."
- Subject self-identification with statements and images ... of 78:
- 78 ID w "my feet (toes) are itching like crazy"
- 74 ID w "my feet (toes) are on fire"
- 45 ID w "I used to think girls didn't get athlete's foot"
- 69 ID w image A ... CU of bare feet, red nails, alternating rubbing one on top of other on tile floor (1:22)
- 53 ID w image B ... dorm room setting, female in shorts, t-shirt, sneakers kicked off, is sitting on bed in tears clutching her bare feet explaining to friend that her toes feel like they are on fire ... friend tells her that it looks like she has athlete's foot and shares her experiences, how to treat, etc. (2:12)
- 30 ID w image C ... set in bridal shop, female reacts with concern when learning that bridesmaid dress for upcoming wedding will call for her to wear nylon hose ... girl confides to friend that she hates nylons because they cause her athlete's foot to flare up ... girl is surprised when friend admits that she also suffers from it ... they discuss what they hate most about it (itching, burning, skin flakes, "it's so embarrassing," "wanting to scratch all the time," "it just makes me miserable")(2:50)

Girls Don't Get Athlete's Foot

- But mom, how I can keep my eye on the ball when my feet are itching like crazy?
- Oh you poor thing, you have athlete's foot.

The pretty girls are still in the back corner of the school's common room. When I last visited four years ago they wore t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops. The inroads made by the designers since that time are in full evidence. Now, colorful dresses, blouses, and skirts abound, all complemented by nude hose and designer heels.
Today, eleven girls occupy the chairs and sofas in the corner. Each has flawless make-up and a hair style to accompany their latest spring fashions. Without exception, each has kicked off her shoes. As I carefully inch closer for a better view, it seems doubtful to me that there could be much scent produced by the assortment of elegant pumps and sandals on the floor, or by the nylon-covered, precision pedicured toes recently freed from them and wiggling on the tables. In any event, any aroma would doubtlessly be overwhelmed by the ever-present odor of Absorbine Jr. that I'm told dominates the room each day.
I decide that two girls who've abandoned their black Nine West pumps provide the best excuse for me to approach and see what I can learn. One blond and one brunette, they share a small sofa and take turns pressing a bottle of green liquid into their nylon covered toes in an effort to undo some of damage exacted by their high heels in the past four hours.

Where to start ?...

I guess this is as good a place as any to start. One of my favorite themes ... females who are barefoot for the simple reason that they can't stand to keep their shoes on any longer. Most often I guess it's a result of the choice to wear high heels. Poor thing, her feet are killing her. Bless her heart.
This is just a jumping off point, as I felt I needed one. More will follow pretty soon. For now, a few video links ...

Scholls Commercial
Scholls Party Feet Commercial I
Scholls Party Feet Commercial II
Lipton Commercial
Poor Feet