Athlete’s Foot Infections

We’ve all heard of athlete’s foot: that itchy, irritating foot condition that seems to thrive in locker rooms and damp shoes. While not typically serious, athlete’s foot can be pretty uncomfortable and, worse yet, highly contagious.

Whether you’ve dealt with it yourself or know someone who has, it’s important to understand the basics of athlete’s foot so you can prevent it from creeping into your life – or treat it effectively if it does.

In this brief article brought to you by the licensed foot specialists at Mountain Spring Podiatry, we give you the rundown on the basics of athlete’s foot infections.

What exactly is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin on the feet (particularly between the toes). It’s caused by dermatophytes, which is a type of fungus that loves warm, moist environments such as sweaty socks, locker room floors, and public showers.

The condition gets its name because athletes, who frequently deal with damp environments and communal spaces, often pick it up. But the truth is anyone can get athlete’s foot. You don’t have to be an athlete to be at risk.

How do you catch athlete’s foot?

Simply put: athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact with the fungus. This means you can get it by walking barefoot in public places like pools, gyms, and locker rooms, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. It’s also easily spread by sharing towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has it.

And here’s the tricky part: the fungus can linger on surfaces for a long time, so you could still be at risk even after an area looks clean.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot

The infection usually starts as a red, itchy rash, but it can progress to blisters, cracking skin, and even ulcers if left untreated. It can also result in thick, discolored toenails if the fungus spreads to the nails. It commonly starts between the toes but can spread to the soles of the feet and even the toenails.

The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. For some, athlete’s foot is mild, with just a bit of itching. For others, the infection can become extremely painful and hard to ignore.

Treatment options for athlete’s foot

If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, it’s important to start treatment right away. For mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders are usually effective. These can be found in most drugstores and should be applied directly to the affected area.

For more stubborn or severe cases, you may need prescription-strength medications. In these instances, it’s best to consult a licensed podiatrist in Bristow, VA to avoid complications or further spreading the infection.

When to see a podiatrist

While athlete’s foot can be treated with foot care and over-the-counter treatments, chronic or severe cases should be investigated by a healthcare professional.

If you’d like to consult with a reliable foot doctor, then call Mountain Spring Podiatry to schedule an appointment or request urgent assistance. We are happy to arrange a walk-in for as soon as possible.