What is athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that usually affects spaces between the toes. You might get the condition from exposure to damp surfaces, such as swimming pools, sweaty socks and shoes, locker room floors, or community showers.
If at-home treatments haven’t worked to eliminate an athlete's foot infection, see the Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, PC, team for an evaluation.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
Common signs and symptoms often associated with athlete's foot include:
- Burning
- Itching
- Cracked skin
- Scaly skin between toes
- A rash
- Stinging
When left untreated, athlete's foot can spread to other parts of your body – including your toenails, hands, or groin area (jock itch).
What are the risk factors for athlete's foot?
While athlete's foot can happen to anybody, certain factors increase your risk of getting it. Examples include wearing damp socks and shoes or contact with infected surfaces (floors, towels, mats, rugs, bedding, etc.). You might also get athlete's foot after walking barefoot in public locker rooms, swimming pool areas, saunas, or communal showers.
Ways to reduce your risk of athlete's foot include keeping your feet dry, changing your socks regularly, wearing shoes with good ventilation, and not wearing the same shoes every day.
Wear shoes or sandals while walking in public areas and use antifungal powders on your feet regularly. Don’t share shoes with other people, and keep your toenails clipped short.
How does my podiatrist diagnose athlete's foot?
To diagnose athlete's foot and establish the best treatment, your podiatrist reviews your symptoms and examines your feet and toes. They might take a skin sample from your feet and send it to a lab for analysis.
What are common athlete's foot treatments?
Common treatments for athlete's foot include:
Over-the-counter products
Using over-the-counter athlete's foot creams, ointments, powders, or sprays can sometimes clear up an infection without further treatment.
Prescription medications
For more serious athlete's foot infectious, your podiatrist can give you prescription-strength topical medications or antifungal oral medicines.
Don’t live with uncomfortable or unsightly symptoms of athlete's foot when simple treatments can offer relief. Schedule an appointment with Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, PC, by phone or book online today.
