Athlete’s foot, commonly known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the feet that causes itchy, scaly, and red skin on your soles and between your toes. Dermatophytes are the cause of Athlete’s Foot; a type of microscopic fungi that grows in warm and moist areas of the body – for instance, under the nails on your feet.
Athlete’s foot is a common foot infection. It’s highly contagious and can be transmitted by direct contact with someone who has it or by sharing their clothes, shoes, linens, mats, or rugs. To keep your feet clean, it’s best not to walk barefoot in these areas; you should try to wear flip flops or slippers. This is especially true in common areas like changing rooms of gyms or swimming pools; these places are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria to your feet.
If your podiatrist suspects you have athlete’s foot, they will generally be able to tell without any testing. They might take a cotton swab sample to test it out and be sure, but this is usually unnecessary. There are some things your podiatrist should advise you to do in order to get rid of it. They may also prescribe you an antifungal cream or lotion that you should use for 1-3 months.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is a type of fungus that lives on the skin or in socks. The fungus usually causes infections in warm, moist places and is especially prevalent in places like public locker rooms, shower floors, and swimming pools. Athletes foot is spread through contact with infected surfaces. Here are some great tips you can use to prevent contracting athlete’s foot:
- Thoroughly wash and dry your feet regularly, including between the toes and under the nail beds.
- Keep your feet dry and protected in public baths, showers and changing rooms by wearing water shoes or flip-flops.
- Always wear shoes or socks in public spaces
- Change your socks more regularly if you notice excessive sweating in your feet.
The Symptoms Of Athletes Foot
Athlete’s foot is a very common skin affliction that is able to affect people of all ages, including children. Contrary to the name, athlete’s foot is not limited to athletes. The fungus is able to affect anyone where normal foot perspiration and warmth are present.
Athletes foot generally has the appearance of a small red area with white edges, typically between the toes. The first symptoms of athlete’s foot generally are an itching or burning sensation on the soles of the feet, between the toes or on the sides of the toe webs. If left untreated, it is possible that athletes foot can spread to your other foot, and even to other parts of the body.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you think you are suffering from athlete’s foot, it’s essential that you first book an appointment with a podiatrist. During your appointment, your podiatrist will analyse your feet and ensure that athlete’s foot is the correct diagnosis; in some cases, they will send some skin samples to a laboratory for testing. Your podiatrist will then prescribe an oral and/or a topical antifungal medication.
Podiatrists are experts at diagnosing, treating and preventing athlete’s foot. They also offer treatment options for various other foot-related conditions that could come as a result of athlete’s foot, like a fungal nail infection. If you are suffering from any form of foot pain and would like a professional opinion, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us here at City Chiropody.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.