Athletes Foot

Athlete's Foot Q&A

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that develops on the feet and toes. It’s closely related to ringworm and jock itch and usually responds to conservative methods of care, such as over-the-counter ointments.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to play sports to get athlete’s foot. If you have very sweaty feet or you wear tight shoes that crowd your toes, you’re also at risk.

What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?

The most common symptom associated with athlete’s foot is a red rash that develops on the top of your feet and in between your toes. As the condition progresses, you might also experience:

• Blisters
• Ulcers
• Dry skin
• Scaly skin

If you have athlete’s foot, it’s important to leave it alone. Picking or scratching at the infection may cause it to spread to your other foot or your hands and fingers.

Who is at risk of athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot affects people of all ages, races, and sexes, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk including:

• Being a man
• Wearing damp socks
• Wearing tight shoes
• Walking barefoot

You’re also more likely to get athlete’s foot if you share socks, towels, or shoes with someone who already has a fungal infection.

What’s the process for diagnosing athlete’s foot?

To diagnose athlete’s foot, your provider at Toetal Podiatry examines your feet and toes and asks you questions about your symptoms. To help confirm the diagnosis, they might also take a skin scraping or skin biopsy and send it to a laboratory for further testing.

What is the treatment for athlete’s foot?

Treatment for athlete’s foot depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you have a mild or moderate case of athlete’s foot, you might benefit from over-the-counter antifungal treatments such as lotions and ointments.

If your athlete’s foot doesn’t respond to these measures, your provider might recommend an individually formulated compound topical medication, which is uniquely tailored for each patient, or a series of oral antifungal pills.

You might also benefit from lifestyle changes, such as:

• Changing socks regularly
• Wearing light, ventilated shoes
• Wearing waterproof shoes at pools and in locker rooms
• Keeping your feet dry

Don’t let itchy, scaly feet negatively affect your quality of life. Request your athlete’s foot consultation today by calling Toetal Podiatry or clicking the online booking tool.