At first, the itching was mild and easy to ignore. But once you developed stinging and burning sensations, along with visibly dry and scaly skin on your heels and the bottoms of your feet, it became impossible to deny that you have athlete’s foot.
This common fungal infection can develop at any age. Resolving athlete’s foot is a concern for many people who entrust their care to Ohio Foot and Ankle Center. Aaron Chokan, DPM, and Kristina Minniti, DPM, discuss how you can treat athlete’s foot and reduce your risk of future infections.
The term athlete’s foot is used to refer to a fungal infection in the skin on your feet. It’s caused by the same kind of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch.
This fungus can easily spread from one person to another when they come into contact with the same surfaces. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments such as showers and locker room floors. The more people you share these spaces with, the greater your risk of encountering this specific type of fungus.
Athlete’s foot got its name because it is a common infection among people who play sports or work out. But you don’t have to be an athlete to develop athlete’s foot.
Not all cases of athlete’s foot create a clear set of symptoms. When symptoms are present, they often include:
If you notice these changes, take action right away, before the infection worsens. Treating athlete’s foot also reduces the risk of spreading the infection to others.
The first line of treatment is usually over-the-counter antifungal products for athlete’s foot. There are several antifungal creams, sprays, and powders to choose from. You don’t need a prescription to purchase these products.
While you can begin to notice improvement in less than a week of beginning treatment, it’s important to understand that the fungus that causes athlete’s foot can continue to live in your socks, shoes, towels, bedding, bathroom rugs, and other surfaces.
Treating these surfaces with antifungal products and thoroughly cleaning them are the best ways to prevent reinfection.
If you don’t find relief through over-the-counter treatments, the providers at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center can prescribe stronger antifungal medications that you take in a pill or tablet form.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from future infections is to protect your feet when walking on shared, wet surfaces. A simple pair of shower shoes or nonporous slides can keep your feet from making direct contact with the floor.
Keeping your feet clean and dry is also helpful. Be sure to wash your feet with soap in the shower, and dry them thoroughly afterward, including the spaces between your toes. Alternate between pairs of shoes to give them time to dry, and always change into a new pair of socks each day.
Pay close attention to your feet and begin treatment at the first sign of athlete’s foot. Once you experience this type of fungal infection, you’ll recognize the symptoms in the early stages.
If you need professional assistance with athlete’s foot, the team at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center is happy to meet with you and get you started on the right treatment path. Please give us a call to schedule a visit to one of our offices in Canton, Stow, or Rittman, Ohio. We also offer an easy online booking service.
