Athlete's Foot Care

Athlete’s foot is a fairly common, contagious condition that is caused by a fungal infection. The infection thrives in warm, moist environments, such as the inside of a shoe. It’s very common for athlete’s foot to develop in between the toes. Some key signs that you may be experiencing this condition include a burning, stinging, or itching sensation, as well as redness and flaking.

Athlete's Foot Causes and Prevention

Athlete’s foot is an extremely contagious infection caused by a fungus that results in itchy, burning, dry, and flaking feet. The fungus that causes Athlete’s foot is known as tinea pedis and thrives in moist, dark environments such as shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, common areas, public changing areas, bathrooms, dormitory-style houses, locker rooms, and public swimming pools. Athlete’s foot can be difficult to treat due to its highly contagious and recurrent nature.

Aside from the feet, Athlete’s foot has been known to infect the hands, groin, and scalp. Around 70% of the population suffers from tinea infections at some point in their lives; however, not all of these cases are Athlete’s foot. Just like any other ailment, some people are more likely to get it than others. Those with a history of tinea infections or other skin infections, both recurring and non-recurring, are more likely to contract Athlete’s foot. On top of this, the extent to which a person experiences regrowth and recurrent tinea infections varies from person to person.

Sometimes people will not even know they have Athlete’s foot due to a lack of symptoms. Most people, however, experience mild to moderate flaking, itchiness, redness, and burning. Some of the more severe symptoms include cracking and bleeding skin, intense itchiness and burning, pain while walking or standing, and even blistering.

Athlete’s foot may spread by direct skin to skin contact, as well as by indirect contact, such as walking barefoot on a surface where the fungus lies. Environments such as locker rooms and communal showers are popular areas where athlete’s foot is known to spread. In order to better prevent yourself from catching athlete’s foot, it’s advised to take certain precautions. These precautions can include washing your feet often and drying them thoroughly, wearing clean cotton socks, washing your towels regularly, making sure you change your shoes and socks regularly, and avoiding walking around barefoot in public areas. It’s also advised to refrain from sharing footwear and to take footwear off as soon as possible after exercising.

Athlete's Foot treatment

Because athlete's foot is best treated promptly, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.