What is Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Along with constant itching, other signs of athlete’s foot include the following:
Dry skin
Scaling
Inflammation
Blisters
These symptoms can often occur individually or at the same time. When a blister breaks, they expose small raw areas of skin which can lead to pain and swelling along with the possibility of secondary infection.
Here are some preventive measures that can be taken:
Avoid specific areas: you should avoid walking barefoot in areas such as gyms, changing areas, nail salons, public pools and restrooms at the beach. This is because fungus typically breeds in areas that are moist and warm. Since athlete’s foot spreads by direct contact, one of the best measures to take to prevent contracting the virus is to keep your feet covered in public areas.
Wash your feet: along with washing your feet daily, we would recommend drying them completely, especially between the toes.
Frequent socks: change your socks frequently, especially if they are damp.
Avoid sharing: it is important to not share your socks, shoes, towels, nail clippers or any items that touch another person’s feet.
If you obtain athlete’s foot, we would recommend utilizing an antibiotic to relieve pain. Speak with a podiatrist today to learn more about how to properly treat this foot issue. Click here to set up an appointment with our team at River Podiatry.
