An itch between the toes might seem minor, but it could signal athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that affects the skin. Despite its name, this infection also affects people who never play sports. The fungus thrives in warm, damp places like shared showers and locker rooms. Contact with contaminated floors or infected skin allows it to spread. Sweaty feet and shoes that trap moisture create conditions that encourage fungal growth. The rash frequently starts between the fourth and fifth toes. It also affects the soles or sides of the feet, where dry, scaly skin sometimes resembles ordinary dryness.
Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. Some patients develop blisters or painful cracks that make walking uncomfortable. Skin between the toes might look white and softened, while other areas appear inflamed. Redness is sometimes less noticeable on darker skin. Scratching damages the skin and increases the risk of spreading the infection to other areas. Untreated athlete’s foot sometimes spreads to the toenails, making treatment more difficult. Breaks in the skin also provide an opening for bacteria. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation face greater risks from skin injuries and should seek prompt assessment. Spreading redness, warmth, or increasing pain requires urgent medical attention.
A podiatrist examines the affected skin and asks about symptoms to identify the likely cause. Because eczema and other skin conditions resemble athlete’s foot, a small skin scraping helps confirm a fungal infection when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment targets the fungus and depends on the infection’s extent and severity. A podiatrist selects appropriate antifungal treatment and explains the expected recovery period. Follow-up visits help assess healing and address persistent symptoms. The podiatrist also checks for nail involvement and evaluates factors contributing to repeated infections. This helps guide treatment when symptoms return. If you have symptoms of an athlete’s foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.
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 Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
