Sports are often a big part of our lives whether we watch or participate. This is especially true in the Fall as many children go back to school and play football, basketball, Lacrosse and field hockey among others. With sports also comes the possibility for injury or ailment. One of the major conditions an athlete can suffer from is called Athlete’s foot otherwise known as tinea pedis. What is Athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection (trichophyton) that usually occurs between the toes and thrives in moist conditions.
Causes of Athlete’s foot include:
- Sweaty feet
- Sharing towels, shoes and socks
- Walking barefoot in public places
Symptoms of Athlete’s foot include:
- Scaly red rash in and around the toes
- Peeling skin usually between toes but can spread to other areas of the foot
- Blisters or ulcers near toes
- Itchiness with dry and flaky skin
If not treated, Athlete’s foot can spread to the groin or hands. While most cases of Athlete’s foot can be treated with over the counter medicines, some have to be diagnosed and treated by your podiatrist. If needed, your podiatrist will treat Athlete’s foot by prescribing:
- Oral anti-fungal attacks fungus
- Oral antibiotics to treat infections
- Topical steroids to treat painful inflammation
- Topical anti-fungal meds include miconazole, terbinafine
The best treatment for Athlete’s foot is prevention. Suggestions include:
- Wearing dry footwear and socks
- Wear sandals or flip-flops in public places like showers, pools or locker rooms
- Make sure you dry your feet completely after a shower or bath
- Treat your feet with anti-fungal powder or skin cream
- Alternate shoes
- Air your feet
- Don’t share socks, footwear or towels
If you believe you have Athlete’s foot, or have any other concerns about your feet, make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He will assess your feet and find the appropriate treatments. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.