What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Do you come home after a long day at work or a good workout at the gym, take your shoes and socks off, and immediately have some of the worst itching you’ve ever felt? If this itching is also accompanied by a scaly red rash between your toes, you may have a condition called athlete’s foot.
Contrary to its name, athlete’s foot does not only target athletes or those who have a very active lifestyle. This fungal infection occurs in people who often have very sweaty feet confined in tight shoes. There are varieties of athlete’s foot which may also cause chronic dryness, scaling on the sides of the feet which extends up, blisters, or ulcers.
Athlete’s foot can be transmitted to others, especially when in contact with an infected individual or surfaces which have become contaminated such as towels, floors, and shoes. You may also transfer the infection to other parts of your own body such as your hands if you pick at or scratch the infected parts of your feet.
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Treating Athlete’s Foot Effectively
Know when it's time to see a doctor
At-home athlete’s foot treatment has been very effective with over-the-counter antifungal medications. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be looked at by a trained medical professional. Prescription medications may be required for more advanced athlete’s foot treatment. Additionally, if you have diabetes and notice symptoms of the infection on your feet, contact our foot and ankle specialists at Rogers Foot & Ankle to prevent the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection.
Preventing Athlete’s Foot
This infection is quite easy to prevent if you remain aware of your surroundings and the conditions in which the athlete’s foot infection is likely to grow. The best way is to keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. When you’re at home, go barefoot to allow your feet to air out and dry in between your toes well after bathing. You may also consider changing your socks more than once per day if your feet regularly get very sweaty in your shoes. In addition to changing your socks often, consider investing in light, well-ventilated shoes. Likewise, don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day--they need time to air out and dry too.
If you’re in a public place, never go barefoot. At pools or in locker rooms, be sure you have a pair of waterproof sandals at all times. And never share shoes.
For all of your foot and ankle needs, including athlete’s foot treatment, contact Rogers Foot & Ankle in Utah County. Our specialists care about keeping you on your feet!