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Athlete's Foot - Overview
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. Athlete’s foot is very common and can easily be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection is likely to recur. Prescription medications also are available.
It’s important to note that while athlete’s foot originates in the feet, it can easily spread to other parts of the foot and other parts of the body. So it’s imperative to thoroughly wash your hands if you touch the affected area, to prevent it from occurring somewhere else on your skin.
Our expert podiatrists specialize in the treatment of athlete’s foot using safe, conservative measures of care.
Causes of Athlete’s foot
Despite its name, athlete’s foot can affect anyone. Common causes of athlete’s foot include:
- Sweaty feet that are confined to tight shoes for a long period of time.
- Keeping your feet in any warm, dark, and moist environment.
- Walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, swimming pools, spas, or showers.
- Sharing socks or shoes with another person.
Symptoms of Athlete's Foot
Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot are usually felt/seen between the toe; however, it can occur in other areas of the foot. The majority of people who experience athlete’s foot are male, but females can suffer from it as well. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- A scaly red rash
- Itching or stinging
- Burning sensation
- Dry or peeling skin
- Blisters or ulcers
- Swelling and inflammation
If you experience any drainage, fever, or swelling, call our office immediately as your athlete’s foot may have become infected. Likewise, if you are a diabetic who develops athlete’s foot, call us so we can take immediate steps to avoid it transforming into a bacterial infection.
Treatment Options for Athlete's Foot
If your case of athlete’s foot is mild and caught early enough, you may be able to treat it with over-the-counter powders or ointments. If not caught early though, it’s imperative to see a podiatrist to stop the spread and to increase your level of comfort.
Once one of our board-certified podiatrists confirm that you have athlete’s foot, we can prescribe oral or topical antifungal medication.
Preventing Athlete’s Foot
Prevention can do a LOT to help prevent Athlete’s Foot. Practice good foot hygiene tips, like the following:
- Wash your feet every day with soap, then thoroughly dry your feet – especially between the toes.
- Wear dry clean socks and change them daily. Synthetic blend socks can help wick away moisture.
- Never put on shoes that are damp or wet and throw out worn-out shoes.
- Wear socks to sleep to avoid transferring the fungus through the bedding.
- Apply foot powder to socks and shoes to reduce moisture and prevent recurrence.
- Disinfect the home showers and tubs after each use.
- Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public areas.
