Athlete's Foot Treatment
Athlete’s foot is one of the most common podiatric concerns people experience. It gets its name due to its commonality among athletes, but anyone can be affected under the right conditions. It spreads easily in warm, damp areas like locker rooms and soft surfaces such as clothing and towels.
If you find yourself dealing with a tough case of athlete’s foot, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates can help. Our experts have seen many cases of this condition, and we’re happy to help you get back to doing what you love comfortably.
What Is Athlete's Foot?
The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is called tinea fungus. This fungus infects the feet and toenails and, less commonly, the hands. Although the condition is not usually serious, it is quite contagious and can be rather uncomfortable. The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- Itching and burning sensations on the feet and between the toes.
- Dry, scaly skin that may crack, peel or cause blisters.
- Discolored toenails that can be separated from the nail bed.
Athlete’s foot fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, such as a locker room floors or your shoes at the end of a busy day. They often spread through touch, which is why many people contract the condition after visiting a public space. Additionally, skin infections can occur if the athlete’s foot is not treated properly. Risk factors that can lead to developing athlete’s foot include:
- Sharing shoes, socks, towels, rugs and clothes.
- Wearing tight shoes.
- Having wet or sweaty feet that aren’t dried for a long time.
- Having another foot- or nail-related injury.
- Walking barefoot in public spaces such as bathrooms, swimming pools and locker rooms.
Do I Have to See a Doctor for Athlete's Foot?
Due to the obvious scaliness, discoloration and itchiness it’s known to cause, you can usually tell when you have athlete’s foot without an official diagnosis. You can find many over-the-counter foot medicines, powders and other treatments for athlete’s foot, meaning it’s not always necessary to see a doctor.
If the symptoms become too intense and distract you from your daily life, you can visit the experts at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates. We’ll complete a skin test to confirm your condition. Then, we can prescribe you stronger medications to help clear up the infection. Additionally, our team can provide valuable health information regarding prevention and care for athlete’s foot.
You should visit us for athlete’s foot if:
- You’ve been treating your foot infection for more than two weeks without improvement.
- You deal with diabetes or another condition that can affect your blood flow.
- You notice signs of infection like an open wound, swelling or pus leaking from the area.
Get Help When You Need it at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
When your athlete’s foot starts interfering with your life, call Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates at 360-754-3338. Our team usually has same- or next-day appointments available so we can address your concerns quickly. Reach out today to get started. We serve patients in Centralia, Lacey, Olympia, Tacoma and Tumwater.
Podiatry services
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An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC
An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC