Athlete’s foot isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s easy to spread to others if you don’t fully treat it from the get-go. The expert podiatry team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County offers the latest in athlete’s foot treatments, so you won’t have to continue struggling with flare-ups. Get started on your athlete’s foot care plan right away by booking an exam. You can either request an appointment online or call the Watsonville or Santa Cruz, California, clinic locations directly.
Athlete’s Foot Q & A
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
One of the most well-known signs of athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a scaly red rash that develops between your toes. You may also feel:
- Burning
- Itching
- Stinging
Sometimes, blisters or ulcers can develop, too, causing even more discomfort. Usually, symptoms are worse right after you take off your socks and shoes.
How does athlete’s foot spread?
As a fungal infection, athlete’s foot spreads easily by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. While anyone can develop athlete’s foot, it gets its nickname because it most notoriously affects athletes who may use communal showers or walk around barefoot in gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot also spreads by:
- Walking barefoot on pool decks
- Sharing socks or shoes with an infected person
- Touching your rash and then touching your other foot
The same fungi that cause athlete’s foot also cause jock itch. So if you scratch your rash and touch your groin area or use the same towel to dry your feet and then your groin, you can develop a painful rash up in that area.
Is there a treatment for athlete’s foot?
Absolutely! The podiatry team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County understands how painful and uncomfortable athlete’s foot can be, so they offer several effective treatment solutions including:
- Topical antifungal creams or ointments
- Oral antifungal medications
- Itch-relieving creams or powders
In some cases, athlete’s foot stems from a bacterial infection, which is why you should never try to treat it yourself. If this is the case, you’re probably going to need antibiotic medications to treat your infection.
Can I prevent athlete’s foot?
In many cases, yes. Because the organisms that lead to athlete’s foot thrive in warm, moist environments, you can do plenty of different things to minimize your risk of a future outbreak. You can prevent athlete’s foot by:
- Wearing shower shoes in communal areas or on pool decks
- Washing and drying your feet daily
- Allowing your gym shoes to dry out overnight
- Avoiding sharing socks and shoes with someone who’s infected
Schedule your athlete’s foot exam at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County today. Book online or over the phone.
