Why does the itching stop after breaking the blisters of athlete's foot?

Breaking the blisters caused by athlete's foot may relieve itching, possibly because the fungi are released from the blister, leading to reduced itchiness.

Athlete's foot typically refers to a fungal infection affecting the skin on the soles, heels, between the toes, and along the sides of the feet. It is contagious and mainly spreads through direct contact or autoinoculation across the body's surface. Symptoms usually include tiny, pinhead-sized blisters appearing on the feet, either scattered or clustered, sometimes merging together, accompanied by significant itching. After such blisters form, breaking them might temporarily alleviate itching, as the fungi inside are discharged, thus reducing irritation. However, this practice is generally not advisable. Rupturing the blisters increases the risk of bacterial infection, potentially worsening the athlete's foot symptoms. Additionally, the fluid released from the blisters can spread the infection to other areas of skin upon contact.

After developing athlete's foot, patients should usually follow a doctor's guidance and use antifungal medications for treatment. Commonly used drugs include terbinafine and butenafine.