What is Athlete’s foot

What is Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a common problem, which is usually not too serious. It involves a fungal infection that most often occurs between the toes. Occasionally, it can lead to more serious complications. Although most people successfully treatment athlete’s foot at home, in some cases, a trip to the foot specialist is needed. Continue reading below to learn more about athlete’s foot.

What causes athlete’s foot? 

Various types of fungi are all around us. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton. Fungal infections thrive in warm moist environments, such as between the toes. Athlete’s foot typically spreads through contact with surfaces that contain fungi, such as shoes, towels, or the floor. Someone with athlete’s foot may also spread the infection to another person through physical contact.

Although anyone can develop athlete’s foot, certain factors may increase your risk. For example, you might have an increased chance of developing the fungal infection in the following cases:

• You are a man
• You often wear damp socks
• You share shoes
• You frequently walk barefoot in locker rooms, pools, and gym showers
• You wear tightfitting shoes

Symptoms

Typically, symptoms of athlete’s foot start on the skin between the toes. Symptoms include:

• Red skin
• Burning
• Scaley skin
• Cracking
• Dry and flaky skin
• Itching

Although the infection may start between the toes on one foot, it can spread to the other foot. It is even possible for a fungal infection to spread to the nails and the hands.

Rarely, athlete’s foot can lead to complications. For example, if the infection causes cracked skin, bacteria can enter and lead to a bacterial infection. This is most common in people with a compromised immune system.

Treatment for athlete’s foot 

Treatment for athlete’s foot is usually an over-the-counter spray or cream. The products may contain different antifungal medications, such as:

• Miconazole
• Econazole
• Clotrimazole

You may have to use the medication for a week or two for the infection to clear up completely.

In some cases, if over-the-counter creams do not work, a foot specialist may prescribe stronger topical medications to apply to the feet. Oral medications may be an option for severe or persistent cases. It is also helpful to keep your feet clean and dry as much as possible to help clear up the infection.

Should you see a podiatrist for athlete’s foot? 

Since most cases of athlete’s foot are treatable at home, is it necessary to see a podiatrist? The answer is sometimes.

It is helpful to see a foot specialist for athlete’s foot in the following instances: 

• You have a weakened immune system
• You are a diabetic
• Signs of a bacterial infection are present, such as pus drainage, fever, red streaks on the foot, or pain
• Symptoms do not clear up in two or three weeks
• You keep getting recurrent infections

Prevention 

Prevention is always your best bet when it comes to problems with your feet. The good news is athlete’s foot is often preventable. Consider the suggestions below to reduce your risk.

• Keep your feet dry. Try to go barefoot to let your feet dry out when you can. Make sure to dry between your toes after a shower.
• Take sweaty socks off as soon as possible.
• Alternate the shoes you wear, so they can dry out each day.
• Do not share shoes, which could spread a fungal infection.
• Wear sandals when at a public pool or gym shower.

If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Podiatrist, Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M at Bayview Eglinton Podiatry Clinic in Toronto.

 https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw28392)

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/athletes_foot.html