An itch between the toes might seem minor, but it could signal athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that affects the skin. Despite its name, this infection also affects people who never play sports. The fungus thrives in warm, damp places like shared showers and locker rooms. Contact with contaminated floors or infected skin allows it to spread. Sweaty feet and shoes that trap moisture create conditions that encourage fungal growth. The rash frequently starts between the fourth and fifth toes. It also affects the soles or sides of the feet, where dry, scaly skin sometimes resembles ordinary dryness.
Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. Some patients develop blisters or painful cracks that make walking uncomfortable. Skin between the toes might look white and softened, while other areas appear inflamed. Redness is sometimes less noticeable on darker skin. Scratching damages the skin and increases the risk of spreading the infection to other areas. Untreated athlete’s foot sometimes spreads to the toenails, making treatment more difficult. Breaks in the skin also provide an opening for bacteria. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation face greater risks from skin injuries and should seek prompt assessment. Spreading redness, warmth, or increasing pain requires urgent medical attention.
A podiatrist examines the affected skin and asks about symptoms to identify the likely cause. Because eczema and other skin conditions resemble athlete’s foot, a small skin scraping helps confirm a fungal infection when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment targets the fungus and depends on the infection’s extent and severity. A podiatrist selects appropriate antifungal treatment and explains the expected recovery period. Follow-up visits help assess healing and address persistent symptoms. The podiatrist also checks for nail involvement and evaluates factors contributing to repeated infections. This helps guide treatment when symptoms return. If you have symptoms of an athlete’s foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
- Thoroughly washing and drying feet
- Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
- Using shower shoes in public showers
- Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
- Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
