Health One Family Medicine

Causes and Treatment of Athlete’s Foot

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Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal infection that affects the feet. It is commonly associated with athletes because of the frequency of the infection among sportspersons. However, this infection is common among other people too. The infection usually begins from your toes. You’ll notice a scaly red rash forming that is itchy and painful. Read on as we discuss the symptoms and causes of athlete’s foot and its treatment.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a tinea infection. The fungus responsible for this infection is found on other parts of the body as well. If this fungus is provided with a warm and moist environment, then it can grow at a faster rate. The following conditions can put you at a risk of this infection:

  • Wearing closed shoes that prevent your feet from receiving an adequate amount of air
  • Excessive sweating
  • Not drying your feet properly after a shower
  • Wearing damp socks
  • Walking barefoot in areas such as a public swimming pool, locker rooms, showers, and saunas.

 Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

  • The appearance of a scaly red rash within the toes. This can go on to cover the soles of your feet and extend upwards
  • Cracked and peeling skin
  • Experiencing an itching, stinging, and burning sensation in the affected area
  • Blisters and ulcers between the toes (this depends on the type of fungus that’s responsible for the infection)

 These symptoms can aggravate if the infection progresses to an advanced stage. In such cases, you can experience the following:

  • The infected area can start bleeding
  • The skin between your toes can turn white and soggy
  • The blisters or ulcers can start to ooze
  • An unpleasant smell can begin to emit from the site of infection.

Treatment of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot can be highly contagious. It can spread to other parts of your body, as well. If you develop symptoms associated with this infection, you must get treatment. This includes:

  • Using antifungal creams, sprays, and ointments. Some of these do not require a prescription. However, if your infection appears serious, then you can consult a doctor.
  • Using antifungal tablets
  • Washing your feet carefully every day and drying them
  • Wearing thick cotton socks. Make sure you change these every day too.
  • Wearing open sandals and shoes
  • Removing moisture from your shoes. This can be done by letting your shoes dry in the sun after use.

Let’s Sum It Up

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can cause a red, scaly rash to appear on your feet. The infection usually occurs when the fungus is provided with a warm and moist environment to grow in. Treatment of athlete’s foot involves basic measures such as keeping your feet dry and wearing shoes that allow proper ventilation. You can also take antifungal creams or tablets.

If you require further advice on the symptoms and causes of athlete’s foot, we suggest you book an appointment with a physician at Health One Family Medicine.

Visit https://www.healthonemedicine.com or call 469-208-9770 for more information.