Athlete's foot may sound like a concern for those who are most active but in reality, this common infection can strike anyone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent it.
At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle located in Corona and Ontario, California, our top-notch team partners with our patients to provide personalized care for a wide variety of foot and ankle issues. Whether you are suffering from an injury, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or another concern, we can help.
We can also diagnose and treat athlete's foot—and provide tips on avoiding it in the future.
Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal skin infection that typically occurs between the toes. Symptoms can include skin that is scaly, cracked, or inflamed along with itchiness, burning, or stinging. Some people may get blisters as well.
The good news is there are things you can do to reduce your odds of getting this uncomfortable condition. They include:
The fungus can be found on the floors of public places like gyms, pools, showers, and locker rooms. Always wear sandals, flip-flops, or shower shoes when in these locations. This is especially true near pools and showers as it particularly likes warm, moist environments.
Wash your feet with antibacterial soap including paying particular attention to the skin between the toes. Dry them thoroughly after showering or swimming. Consider using talcum or antifungal powder to help absorb moisture.
Keeping your feet dry—especially if you sweat a lot—is key. Change your socks daily or more often if needed. Cotton or a moisture-wicking material is more effective than nylon.
Rotate the shoes you wear to give them time to dry. Clean them with a disinfecting spray or wipes as needed.
When possible, wear sandals or other open shoes to allow your feet to breathe. Limit the use of rubber or synthetic shoes.
Athlete's foot is contagious so be careful if another household member has it. Don't share towels, sheets, shoes, or socks, and wear shoes in places the infected person has walked.
If you have gotten a case of athlete's foot, it is important to get treatment to prevent it from spreading to other people or to other areas of the body like the nails, hands, and groin.
While there are over-the-counter medications, they don’t always work for this type of fungal infection. We can prescribe a specialized cream, spray, or powder that typically works in two to four weeks. For those with a severe case or a bacterial infection, we can provide additional treatments like oral antifungal medication and antibiotics.
If you suspect you have athlete's foot, click to book an appointment or call the Corona office at 951-735-8806 or the Ontario office at 909-983-5710.