Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common and often stubborn fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet, especially between your toes. It thrives in warm, damp environments like sweaty shoes or locker room floors. While it’s usually not serious, the experts at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. in Park City or Chicago, Illinois, can treat the itchy, uncomfortable, and contagious condition. If you have signs of athlete’s foot, get the care and guidance you need by calling or booking an appointment online today.

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that targets the skin on your feet. It typically starts between your toes and can spread to your soles, toenails, and even your hands in severe cases. 

It’s called “athlete’s foot” because it often occurs in people whose feet become sweaty while confined in tight-fitting shoes — conditions that create the perfect environment for fungi to grow.

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. These fungi are commonly found in places like:

• Locker rooms
• Public showers
• Pool areas
• Inside shoes and socks

You can contract athlete’s foot by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces or sharing towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has the infection. Once the fungus takes hold, it can spread quickly if your feet aren’t kept clean and dry.

Is athlete’s foot a health concern?

While athlete’s foot isn’t generally a serious condition, it can be uncomfortable and persistent if not properly treated. Symptoms include:

• Itching
• Burning
• Cracked or peeling skin
• Redness
• Blisters (sometimes)

If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, such as your hands or groin area (jock itch). It can also lead to secondary bacterial infections if your skin becomes broken or inflamed. 

People with weakened immune systems or diabetes are especially at risk for complications and should seek treatment at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. promptly.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Most mild cases of athlete’s foot can be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders containing ingredients like clotrimazole, terbinafine, or miconazole. 

Follow the directions carefully and continue treatment for the full recommended time, even if symptoms improve sooner. Your podiatrist may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications for more severe or persistent infections.

In addition to medication, keep your feet clean and dry. You should:

• Wash them daily
• Dry them thoroughly (especially between your toes)
• Wear breathable shoes
• Change socks regularly

Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, and don’t share personal items like towels or shoes. With proper care, you can treat athlete’s foot effectively and prevent it from coming back.

Learn more about athlete’s foot by calling for an appointment or booking a visit online today.