Can athlete's foot spread to other parts of the body?

My son is an athlete and recently like so many athletes
have been dealing with this problem. It started out with
minor itching so he proceeded to use over the counter stuff
for weeks without relief. It got worse and he started itching
in his palms as well. Then we realized after showers or minor
contact with the skin such as rubbbing he would develop
long welts on his arms or chest or neck in some places.
Went to the doctor and now is on oral pills for fungus. Has anyone else experienced athletes foot to this extreme. Been taking the pills now for weeks and these welts are still happening some times . When he scratches his palms it
looks like round lesions under the skin. He is so aggravated
and frustrated with the whole thing. Any suggestions?

It looks like there could be two things are going on here. Welts are caused by allergic or immune reaction. It seems like your son may have an allergy, and the fungus may have lowered the threshold for an allergic reaction, or the fungus itself could be causing the welts.

One thing that might help is to avoid those things that cause welts to develop, such as hot water, harsh soaps, and any type of skin abrasion (including scrubbing). Switch to a castile soap or a cleanser that doesn't contain soap, like Neutrogenia, and also use a very mild shampoo, like baby shampoo. Helpful bacteria live on natural oils in the skin, and these bacteria are what keep fungus from taking over. Harsh soaps, and frequent washing remove the helpful bacteria.

You son may also benefit from an antihistamine. Benedryl is one of the most effective, but it usually makes people too sleepy to function. Maybe he could take benedryl at night, and something like Claritin during the day. You could also ask the doc to prescribe an appropriate antihistamine.

Lastly, he should continue to use topical antifungal treatments on the places where the fungus is worst. It helps to alternate (morning and night) between products that have different active ingredients.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects many people at some time in their lives. The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers.

Athlete's foot usually affects the spaces between your toes, but it can spread to your toenails and the soles and sides of your feet. Often, athlete's foot responds well to over-the-counter (nonprescription) treatments you can apply to your skin. More severe cases may require prescription medications.

Also called tinea pedis, ringworm of the foot and dermatophytosis, athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal skin conditions, most with similar names. Tinea is a type of fungus, and "pedis" is the Latin word for "foot." Other common tinea infections include:

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). This form causes a red, scaly ring or circle of rash on the top layer of your skin.
Jock itch (tinea cruris). This form affects your genitals, inner thighs and buttocks.
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). This form is most common in children and involves red, itchy patches on the scalp, leaving bald patches.