Are your feet experiencing symptoms like dry, cracked, and/or scaly skin? It might make you think that your skin might be extremely dry and that you need to moisturize after you shower tonight. However, there might be something else going on! Read on to see if it might be symptoms of athlete’s foot.
You don’t have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. The foot fungus, which is in the tinea family, causes what is commonly referred to as athlete’s foot. This same fungus also causes fungal toenails, ringworm, and jock itch.
What symptoms should I look for?
- Red rash between the toes
- Stinging/burning skin
- Itchy blisters on the feet
- Itchy dry skin near the toes, up the sides of the feet, and along the bottom of the feet.
- Cracking or scaly skin that begins to peel
- Fungal toenails, which are also infected by the fungus (discolored, brittle toenails)
Where did I get Athlete’s Foot?
- Walking around in locker rooms while barefoot
- Using communal showers while barefoot
- Community saunas or pools
- Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection
If you have sweaty feet, causing your socks and shoes to be chronically damp or wet, you are more likely to create an environment in which fungi can thrive. Any small cut, scrape, or opening can allow the fungus to enter into the skin and cause an infection.
How do I treat it?
- Self-treatment: You can use over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, lotions, powders, or sprays
- Prescribed treatment: Our podiatrist can prescribe a stronger topical treatment or oral medication to treat fungus that has spread.
How do I prevent it?
The best ways to reduce your risk and reduce the impact of an infection include:
- Keeping your feet dry (change your socks midday, rotate the shoes you wear, use shoes with ventilation)
- Use flip-flops or sandals in public places, rather than going barefoot
- Wash your feet with soap and warm water daily, especially after walking barefoot
- Don’t share items like towels and shoes with those who might be infected
If over-the-counter treatments and medications do not work, come in for an evaluation and treatment. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Our foot and ankle team is ready to assist you and your family at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.