What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that typically develops between your toes and the bottom of your foot. While anyone can develop Athlete’s Foot, it’s especially common in people with sweaty feet, who wear tight shoes with little room to breathe, or frequent areas that others are also walking barefoot.
The condition is closely related to other fungal infections, including ringworm and jock itch, and although uncomfortable, it’s also relatively easy to treat.
What Are The Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot affects everyone differently. However, there are certain signs to watch out for. These include a scaly, red rash on your feet and between your toes, the formation of blisters and ulcers, and dry or scaly skin that develops on the soles and sides of your feet. If you pick or scratch at the infection, it can also spread to your hands or other parts of your body. Athlete’s foot can affect one or both feet.
Should I See a Podiatrist For My Athlete’s Foot?
Some cases of Athlete’s Foot respond to over-the-counter antifungal lotions and ointments. However, if your rash continues to spread, or your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or you have recurrent Athlete’s Foot infections, it’s important to seek professional help.
If you have diabetes and develop Athlete’s Foot, you should also make an appointment at Family Foot & Ankle Physicians. Diabetes affects your circulation and increases your risk of developing a bacterial infection.
Common symptoms that may point to a more serious infection include redness, drainage, fever, and swelling.
How Do You Get Athlete’s Foot or Who Is More At Risk?
Yes. You’re more likely to develop Athlete’s Foot if:
- You’re a man. Sorry guys, this is just the reality.
- You frequently wear ill-fitting shoes. Make sure you update your shoes often.
- You share shoes or socks with others. Don’t do this, it just isn’t sanitary or healthy for your feet.
- You walk around barefoot in public facilities like locker rooms, swimming pools, or saunas. Don’t do this…you are asking for problems. Wear flip-flops or other coverings to keep your feet healthy.
How Is Athlete’s Foot Treated?
If you have a case of athlete’s foot that’s mild, your doctor might recommend an over-the-counter ointment or powder. However, if you’ve already tried this type of treatment with no change in your symptoms, prescription-strength medications may be necessary. Family Foot & Ankle Physicians offers both antifungal creams and oral medications to combat more serious infections.
If you’ve tried various methods of care to relieve your athlete’s foot with no luck, it’s time to seek the help of a podiatrist. Family Foot & Ankle Physicians has a primary location in Greenville, servicing cities such as Greenville, Farmville, Ahoskie, Kinston, Winterville, Tarboro, New Bern, Edenton, Washington, Rocky Mount, with patients coming from throughout eastern North Carolina and beyond. To request your appointment, call our Greenville office today, talk to your doctor about a referral or use the online booking tool to schedule your visit.