Don’t Let Athlete’s Foot Get You Down | Ask a Harrisburg NC Podiatrist

Athlete’s foot, otherwise known as tinea pedis, is a form of fungal infection that usually affects a person’s skin on their feet and hands, as well as toenails. The reason the infection got its name is that it  frequently affects athletes or those who participate in a lot of physical activity.

Although athlete’s foot isn’t a serious or deadly condition, it can still be very hard to cure. If you have either a weak immune system or diabetes, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Primary Causes of Athlete’s Foot?

In short, athlete’s foot is when Dermatophyte fungus grows on skin or toenails. However, you can catch athlete’s foot yourself by touching anything that is affected by the fungus infection. Due to fungus needing warm and moist environments to survive, it is mostly found in locker room floors, swimming pools, and showers/baths.

Common Risks for Athlete’s Foot

Although nearly anyone can get athlete’s foot, the following behaviors can greatly increase your risk of getting this infection:

• Walking barefoot in public spaces, such as public locker rooms, swimming pools, and showers
• Wearing form-fitting shoes
• Sharing socks, towels, or shoes with someone who already has athlete’s foot
• Consistently keeping your feet, or body, in water for an extended period of time

Common Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Although there are a number of systems that are associated with athlete’s foot, here are few of the most common ones we found:

• Burning sensation on toes, feet, and toenails
• Blisters on feet
• Dried skin on feet
• Discolored toenails

How Do You Know If You Have Athlete’s Foot?

To get a proper diagnosis, you will need to visit a local podiatry office. Your doctor might be able to determine whether you have this infection based solely on your symptoms. If they are unsure about what is causing your symptoms, they may order a skin test.

How To Treat Athlete’s Foot Infections

To receive the best treatment for your athlete’s foot, consult our Harrisburg podiatrist. Some of the most common types of athlete’s foot treatment are:

• Home care
• Over the counter medications
• Prescription medications
• Alternative therapies (using tea tree oil)

How To Prevent Athlete’s Foot

There are steps you can take to prevent getting athlete’s foot in the future.

• Wash your feet frequently with soap and water
• Wear sandals in public showers and other public areas
• Put on a new pair of socks when your feet get sweaty
• Visit your local podiatry office at the first sign of any infection

If you think you may be suffering from athlete’s foot, do not hesitate to call our local foot doctor today for athlete’s foot treatment!