What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a highly contagious, fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. You can pick up and spread the infection through skin-to-skin contact with another person.
Tinea, the fungus that causes athlete's foot, thrives in warm, moist environments. This means you can also get the infection by touching infected surfaces, like the floor of public showers or pools.
Once you have the infection, wearing sweaty socks and shoes can cause the infection to spread quickly. You can also spread the infection to damp areas like your groin, hands, and scalp.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
You can have an athlete's foot infection without having any noticeable symptoms. However, many people experience a symptoms that range from mild to severe, such as:
- Itching
- Redness
- Dryness
- Flakiness
You may also develop skin patches or blisters that ooze and crust over on your feet and in between your toes.
How is athlete's foot diagnosed?
In many cases, the team at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery can diagnose athlete's foot during a physical exam of your feet.
The podiatry team may also need to scrape off some skin cells from your feet for further evaluation to determine the type of infection you have.
Based on the results of your testing, they will customize a treatment plan that focuses on clearing the infection, so you can get symptom relief.
How is athlete's foot treated?
Your treatment plan for athlete's foot will likely include over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays that you apply directly to the affected skin.
If over-the-counter treatments aren't strong enough, the providers may prescribe topical or oral medications to clear the infection.
The physicians at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery also work closely with you to reduce your risk for recurrent athlete's foot infections. They can help you make improvements to your foot care routine, such as keeping your feet dry by changing your socks regularly, wearing shoes in public areas, and choosing well-ventilated footwear.
If you have athlete's foot symptoms that aren't responding to treatment at home, request a consultation online or by calling the office of New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery today.
