Athlete’s Foot

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection appearing on the feet that often begins between your toes. It’s more likely to occur in athletes and others with sweaty feet confined in tight-fitted shoes. 

While not necessarily a cause for concern, athlete's foot can become painful, worsen, and spread to other areas of your body. Treatment helps eliminate the fungus and ease your symptoms.

Which symptoms can athlete's foot cause?

Symptoms of athlete’s foot may include:

• Scaly rashes
• Itching
• Burning
• Peeling skin
• Cracked skin between your toes
• Inflammation
• Purplish, reddish, or grayish skin
• Stinging
• Blisters
• Dry skin on your feet

Athlete’s foot is contagious, spreading to other people via contact with shared surfaces or personal items. 

What are the risk factors for athlete’s foot?

Anyone can develop athlete’s foot. The following are risk factors:

• Walking barefoot in community areas (locker rooms, pool decks, showers, etc.)
• Wearing damp socks and shoes
• Being in warm and humid conditions
• Sharing personal items with other people, especially shoes or socks
• Wearing enclosed shoes
• Sweating heavily or often
• Sharing bed linens, clothes, towels, or rugs with other people

Left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of your body, such as the groin (jock itch). In some cases, it leads to bacterial infections. 

How is athlete’s foot diagnosed?

Diagnosing athlete’s foot requires an examination of your feet and toes. Dr. Stephens looks for signs of fungus and reviews your symptoms. He may take a skin scraping and send it to a lab for further analysis. He tailors a treatment plan that eliminates the infection and offers lasting symptom relief.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Your personalized athlete’s foot treatment plan may include:

• Making lifestyle changes
• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription oral medicines
• Prescription topical medications

It’s helpful to air out your feet, wear breathable footwear, and avoid walking barefoot in community areas. Wash your feet daily with soapy, warm water and dry them thoroughly. Change your socks regularly and avoid sharing shoes or other personal items with other people. 

These prevention measures help eliminate athlete’s foot and prevent the fungus from returning. Contact Arise Foot and Ankle anytime with questions about your treatment plan or if you notice the symptoms returning.

Schedule an athlete's foot evaluation today at Arise Foot and Ankle by calling the office or booking a visit online.