What is Athlete’s Foot and What Are the Symptoms?

Proper athlete’s foot treatment begins with knowing what it is and what factors contribute to it. First of all, it is a fungal infection (tinea pedis). There are many different ways that Athletes foot may present it itself, however, it often starts between your toes. Athlete’s foot symptoms may include a dry scaling rash, small blisters and whitened skin especially between the toes. You may also experience pain and itching or notice redness and swelling in the toes and the foot.

How Do You Get Athlete's Foot?

As with any fungus, tinea pedis thrives in warm, moist environments. Your feet in damp socks and enclosed shoes provide that perfect breeding ground for the athlete’s foot fungus. Athlete’s foot can also be easily contracted through contact with a contaminated surface in a public shower or locker room, at a public pool or sauna or through contact with an infected person.

Since one of the symptoms of athlete’s foot is itching, this fungus can also spread to other parts of the body when you touch or scratch the affected area. Your hand can become infected and you may also touch another area of the body subjecting it to the infection.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Getting Athlete’s Foot?

There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent athlete’s foot or having it reoccur. If you can, go barefoot when at home, allowing your feet to get plenty of air and stay dry. In warmer weather, wear well ventilated, lighter shoes or sandals. Change socks daily or twice a day to help keep your feet dry. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing the same shoes every day. Alternating shoes allows adequate drying time before wearing them again.

At the pool, in the locker room or common shower, protect your feet from contaminated surfaces by wearing waterproof shoes. Be careful to avoid using contaminated towels or linens.

Is There An Easy Athlete’s Foot Cure?

Since athlete’s foot is fairly common, it is easy to underestimate the importance of proper, timely treatment. If not treated, it can not only spread but can develop into cellulitis, a bacterial infection which can be quite painful.

Treatment of Athlete's foot may involve topical medication, oral medication, or a combination of both. It is important to also treat the shoes, and practice proper foot care.

It is important to know that not all cases that look like a fungal infection of the feet is a fungal infection, as there are other skin conditions that can make the feet appear to have a fungus. Dr. Gowdie can both diagnose and prescribe an effective treatment to resolve whatever foot or ankle related problem you may be facing.

Need Answers?

Are you in need of professional athlete’s foot treatment or are you dealing with a foot condition you suspect may be athlete’s foot, but, you’re not sure?

We invite you to give us a call at The Foot and Ankle Treatment Center at (706) 310-4288 or appointment request online to get the athlete’s foot treatment you need.