Causes of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot typically occurs because of the same fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. This type of fungus thrives in a warm moist environment where they are able to multiply and spread quickly. Damp areas such as swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms make the perfect breeding ground for the fungus, and athletes who frequently use these facilities and have sweaty feet are the most commonly affected, hence the term athlete’s foot.

Certain factors increase your risk of contracting athlete’s foot:

• Having sweaty feet
• Having a skin damage on the feet
• Having a weakened immune system
• Walking barefoot in damp public spaces
• Wearing tight closed-in shoes frequently

Athlete’s Foot Can Easily Spread

Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious condition that is easily spread from one person to another. You do not have to be an athlete or a regular at your local gym to contract athlete’s foot. Standing barefoot in the shower when somebody else in your home is infected, and sharing towels, sheets, socks, and shoes with someone who has athlete’s foot can spread the infection.

Athlete’s foot can also spread to other parts of the body. The infection may spread to your hand if you are constantly scratching at the infected area, and to other parts as well, if you touch them after touching your feet. If you are using one towel to dry off your feet and body after bathing or swimming, you may develop athlete’s foot in the groin area – in that case, it is called jock itch.

Treatment of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot treatment requires the use of an antifungal medication. If treated early, over-the-counter remedies like creams, sprays, or powder can help clear up athlete’s foot in as fast as two weeks.

During the treatment period, it is necessary to keep the feet clean and dry at all times, especially on the areas between the toes. Additionally, it is advised to air out the feet as much as possible and try not to scratch the rash. Disinfecting all socks, towels, sheets and any other items that may have come into contact with the affected foot is also essential to stop the spread of the infection.

When To See A Doctor

This condition is relatively harmless, however, in some cases, athlete’s foot may become severe and unresponsive to home treatment. If your athlete’s foot has not improved in two weeks, a physician can help by prescribing stronger oral or topical medications.

It is important to treat athlete’s foot effectively because we do not want any additional infections. If your athlete’s foot become infected with bacteria, your foot may become swollen, and you may develop blisters and even open sores.  If you are diabetic, athlete’s foot may become a more serious skin problem, and for that reason, you should take immediate action.

Prevention of Athlete’s Foot

Simple habits can help prevent athlete’s foot; these include:

• Keeping the feet clean and dry by washing them daily and drying them thoroughly
• Changing socks regularly, especially if the feet get sweaty
• Using a powder on the feet to help reduce sweating
• Alternating the shoes you wear to allow them to fully dry
• Avoid sharing socks, towels, and shoes with other people
• Wearing flip-flops when walking into damp public spaces
• Wearing breathable shoes to remove excess moisture from the skin

Athlete’s foot is a painful condition that many people suffer from. Fortunately, our podiatrist specializes in the treatment of athlete’s foot and can provide the most effective treatment choices. Consult our podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center if you have any questions concerning athlete’s foot. Our doctor will evaluate your situation and give you high quality care.

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1. Immediately you notice a rash, use over-the-counter antifungal cream that contains clotrimazole or any other antifungal medication. Most of the ointments are used twice a day for two weeks. Always wash your hands after applying the ointment, to avoid spreading.
2. Sprinkle antifungal powder in the socks and shoes. The fungus can grow in your footwear as you use the antifungal powder to take care of the fungus on footwear. Treating your footwear with an antifungal powder or an aerosol spray and dusting the powder directly to your feet will help prevent the fungal spread.
3. Use soap and water to clean your feet twice a day. If you have sweaty, dirty, or wet feet clean your feet more often. Use mild soaps for cleaning and ensure dry skin before using any antifungal medications.
4. Use a separate towel to dry your feet thoroughly. As you dry your feet, pay careful attention between the toes to avoid the fungus thriving. Let the feet air out before wearing shoes.
5. Air your feet as much as possible. Wear canvas or sandals to air the feet. Avoid wearing shoes and socks all the time, when at home air your feet.
6. Change your socks when they become damp. The fungus thrives on sweaty socks because of the warm, damp environment. The feet contain many sweat glands that can cause the socks to be wet. Wear cotton socks that prevent moisture buildup and allow the feet to breathe. In warm weather, avoid socks and stick to wearing sandals whenever possible.
7. Alternate pairs of shoes. Wear one pair of shoes one day and change the shoes the next day. It gives shoes time to dry before being worn again. Avoid shoes with synthetic or rubber materials that trap moisture and can make the feet overheat.
8. Wear flip-flops in public showers to prevent infections. Foot fungus can be picked from contaminated surfaces. Do not walk barefoot around public showers, pools, and even public locker toms.
9. Do not share footwear with others. The foot fungus can linger in footwear for long and you can get infected from someone else’s footwear. If you have an infected person, do not share bed linens and towels. If you recently got cured of an athlete’s foot, clean all the things that came into contact with your feet to avoid reinfection or infecting others.
10. Shower after a rigorous exercise or sports. If you are in contact sports or working out in a public gym, you might come into contact with the fungus without knowing. Pay special attention to your feet.

Athlete’s foot is a bothersome condition that can be quickly alleviated with the right care. Contact our podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center if you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles. Your foot and ankle needs will be met by our doctors.

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It is a fungal infection on feet. A Fungus is a microscopic organism that thrives in warm and damp environments. Fungal infections to the skin are known as tinea infections, and the fungus growing on the feet is known as tinea pedis or athlete’s foot; the name is from the fact that it affects people whose feet are always sweaty and damp. The fungal infection is caused by trichophyton found in clothing and on floors.

Signs and Symptoms

It affects the skin between the toes. You may experience the sensation of burning, stinging, and itchy. The skin may also become flaky, dry, scaly, red, and may crack.

Where the skin cracks, you may notice swelling, itchy blisters, or oozing. The side of the foot or the sole may also develop scaling patterns.

Due to the skin cracking and causing severe open sores, the feet are now vulnerable to bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can occur alongside the condition.

If left untreated for long, you risk the infection from spreading from toe to toe, and in rare cases, it spreads to the hands. Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching the affected area. When you touch the infected area and touch other parts of the body you risk spreading the infections to other parts.

You may notice a rash at the bottom and on the sides of the feet.

What to do for prevention and treatment

Continue using the pharmacy treatments to stop the condition from coming back.

Keep your feet clean and dry.

As you are washing your feet, ensure you wash between the toes and dry by dabbing rather than rubbing.

Set aside a towel for your feet and ensure it is washed regularly. Do not share the towel with other people.

Wear clean cotton socks daily, and change the pair of shoes every two days if possible.

When you are at home, take off your shoes. In public showers and changing rooms avoid walking barefooted.

Wear comfortable shoes with breathable material and if you notice the shoes make your feet sweaty and hot, avoid them.

NOTE: These tips will keep the athlete’s foot from coming back if you continue following them.

Is it contagious?

Yes, the condition spreads when you touch an affected area and touch other areas. It also spreads through sharing of towels, socks, and shoes with an infected person. Walking barefoot in damp environments, like pool areas or public showers, where the fungus thrives could also cause the infection.

Diagnosis

This can be done by observation. The doctor will observe the symptoms and signs common with athlete’s foot infection. However, the podiatrist might rule out other conditions such as low-grade skin infection by conducting a test known as skin lesion potassium hydroxide. The doctor takes a sample of the infected tissue and uses the potassium hydroxide to destroy the human cells and leave the fungal cells, only seen under a microscope.

When to contact a podiatrist

Most of the time, the symptoms are mild, and there is no need to see a doctor. However, you should see a podiatrist if

• The over-the-counter treatments do not work.
• If you experience discomfort.
• If the foot is painful, red, and hot, it could be a more serious infection.
• If you have diabetes it could make the condition more complicated.
• If you have had an organ transplant or undergoing chemotherapy, your immune system is weakened and you need more care.

Athlete’s foot can be an uncomfortable condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

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How foot fungal infection can be treated?

As ways of athlete’s foot treatment, there are plenty of options, and one of them is antifungal medications. Some are also recommended home treatment if doctors think so.

• Home care

For dealing with foot fungus issues, home care is a suitable option to resolve it. In this, you have to soak feet in saltwater or dilute feet with vinegar. This helps to dry the blisters and reduce the chances of foot fungus. 

• Alternative therapy for foot fungus

When diagnosed with fungus on feet, it requires suitable therapy that shall get rid of the problem soon. In this, it is suitable to use tea tree oil for better results. Studies are of the opinion that tea tree oil can effectively treat problems of foot fungus.

Preventions of Athletes’ Foot

Some tips can help prevent the occurrence of this fungal infection.

• Try to keep your toes dry – Try to keep the space between toes dry and walk barefoot when you are at home. Also, after taking a shower, do not forget to dry the space between the toes. 
• Change socks – With sweaty feet issues, it is a must to change socks regularly. For better results, you can change it twice a day. Thus, it will help avoid problems of fungal infection in your feet.
• Protect feet in public – In public pools or showers, try to wear waterproof sandals to protect your feet.
• Treat your feet – Try to use antifungal powder daily to keep your feet clean and free from fungus attack.   

Important facts to know about Athletes’ Foot

• Athletes’ Foot can occur in any individual

There is a wrong notion that the infection is only common in Athletes. But it can occur to any person. However, the risk factors are having sweaty feet, keeping wet feet for a long time, wearing tight shoes or socks, sharing socks with other infected persons, and the like.

• Diagnosed just by looking at it

Just by looking at the athlete’s foot, it is possible to understand. Some diagnoses are testing samples of infected skin, looking at the infected area in dark lightand viewing skin samples using a microscope.

• Chance of infection spreading to other parts

Similar to the infected foot, the infection can also come up on hands. The fungus related can easily spread to nails. In addition, the fungus can also result in jock itch. It happens when you dry different body parts with an infected towel.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tinea is the same fungus that causes ringworm, and is spread by direct contact with an infected body part, contaminated clothing, or by touching other objects and body parts that have been exposed to the fungus. Because the feet are an ideal place for tinea to grow and spread, this is the most commonly affected area.  It is, however, known to grow in other places. The term athlete’s foot describes tinea that grows strictly on the feet.

The most commonly infected body parts are the hands, groin, and scalp, as well as the feet. Around 70% of the population suffer from tinea infections at some point in their lives, however not all of these cases are athlete’s foot. Just like any other ailment, some people are more likely to get it than others, such as people with a history of tinea infections or other skin infections, both recurring and non-recurring ones. The extent to which a person experiences regrowth and recurrent tinea infections varies from person to person.

Sometimes people will not even know that they are infected with tinea or that they have athlete’s foot because of a lack of symptoms. However, most experience mild to moderate flaking, itching, redness, and burning. However, some of the more severe symptoms include cracking and bleeding skin, intense itching and burning, pain while walking or standing, and even blistering.

Because of the recurring nature of the tinea fungus and the athlete’s foot it causes, the best way to treat this condition is with prevention. You can take some preventative measures such as wearing flip flops or sandals in locker rooms and public showers to reduce contact with the floor. It also helps to keep clean, dry feet while allowing them to breathe. Using powders to keep your feet dry is a good idea, as well as keeping your feet exposed to light and cool air, to prevent the growth of tinea. If you do happen to get athlete’s foot, opt for using topical medicated creams, ointments or sprays. These treatments help eliminate and prevent it from coming back.

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Athlete’s foot is a common foot condition that many people experience. It typically affects the area between the toes in addition to the bottom of the feet. There are several symptoms that are associated with this ailment. These may include redness, dry areas in the affected portions of skin, or extreme itchiness. This contagious fungal infection is generally found in public places, which may include community pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Patients who have certain existing medical conditions may have an increased risk of getting athlete’s foot. These include a weak immune system, eczema, or certain allergies. Mild relief can be found while using an anti-fungal spray. For stubborn and severe cases of athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat your condition.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr.Eji Shobowale from DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete’s Foot 101

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Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging or burning sensations between the toes. You may also experience toenails that are discolored, thick, crumbly, or toenails that pull away from the nail bed.

Your podiatrist may diagnose athlete’s foot by detecting these symptoms or by doing a skin test to see if there is a fungal infection present. The most common exam used to detect Athlete’s foot is a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam. To use this method, your doctor will scrape off a small area of the infected skin and place it into potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide will destroy the normal cells and leave the fungal cells untouched so that they are visible under a microscope.

There are a variety of treatment options for athlete’s foot. Some medications are miconazole (Desenex), terbinafine (Lamisil AT), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). While these options may be able to treat your fungus, it is best that you consult with a podiatrist in order to see which treatment option may work best for you.

In some cases, Athlete’s foot may lead to complications. A severe complication would be a secondary bacterial infection which may cause your foot to become swollen, painful, and hot.

There are ways that you can prevent athlete’s foot. Washing your feet with soap and water each day and drying them thoroughly is an effective way to prevent infections. You also shouldn’t share socks, shoes, or towels with other people. It is crucial that you wear shower sandals in public showers, around swimming pools, and in other public places. Additionally, you should make sure you wear shoes that can breathe and change your socks when your feet become sweaty. If you suspect that you have Athlete’s foot, you should seek help from a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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The medical name for Athlete’s foot is referred to as tinea pedis. This common fungal infection that attacks the skin on the feet may typically affect a large percentage of people who will develop this at some point in their lives. This fungus can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin. It is generally found in public pools and surrounding areas, locker rooms, or contaminated surfaces. Patients who experience this contagious skin condition may often notice itchy and red skin between the toes or on the sole of the foot, blisters, or in severe cases, cracked skin may develop. There may be several ways to prevent this condition from developing, including washing and drying the feet regularly, avoiding the sharing of shoes and towels, and failing to alternate shoes. If you feel you have Athlete’s foot, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options for you.

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 Dr.Eji Shobowale from DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Cypress, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete’s Foot

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