Athlete's Foot

Athlete's Foot services offered in Corona and Ontario, CA

Athlete’s foot can lead to serious infections if you don’t treat it. At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle, with offices in Corona and Ontario, California, the team of dedicated podiatrists takes a personalized approach to athlete’s foot treatment. They understand how persistent and frustrating the rash can be, and they’re here to help you overcome it using proven treatments. Book your appointment online or call the nearest office for help now.

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungus that causes a rash on your feet. The fungus multiplies in moist and warm areas, including communal spaces like public pools.

Most people get athlete’s foot when they walk in communal areas without shoes. You can also get athlete’s foot by sharing a towel, socks, or shoes with someone who has it.

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can also cause toenail fungus, ringworm, and jock itch.

Who gets athlete’s foot?

Athletes often get athlete’s foot, but anyone can develop the infection. It’s most common in people with risk factors, including:

Age over 60
Extra body weight
Poorly-functioning immune system
Chronic open wounds on the feet

Also, people who sweat heavily and wear damp socks for long periods are more likely to experience athlete’s feet.

What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot usually starts between the fourth and pinky toes, but the infection can quickly spread if you itch or rub the skin. Some people develop moccasin athlete’s foot, in which the rash appears on the sides and bottom of your feet.

Some common symptoms include:

Red skin
Itchy rash
Sore or painful skin
Scaly skin
Burning
Stinging
Blisters
Cracked skin

If you don’t treat athlete’s foot, you could develop a secondary bacterial infection, which causes additional symptoms like pus-filled blisters and a fever.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Although over-the-counter remedies exist, they’re generally ineffective against athlete’s foot because it’s a stubborn infection. The Advanced Care Foot and Ankle team usually prescribes a topical treatment, like a cream, spray, or powder. In most cases, that resolves the infection in around 2-4 weeks.

Severe cases of athlete’s foot may require oral antifungal medication. If you have a bacterial infection as well, you’ll need antibiotic medication to help you fight the bacteria so your skin can heal. In the rare cases that athlete’s foot leads to non healing open wounds, you may need special wound care services to avoid additional complications.

Every case of athlete’s foot is different, which is why the Advanced Care Foot and Ankle team takes the time to evaluate your needs and make a customized treatment plan for you. Book your appointment online or call the office in your area for help today.