Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that is contagious. Public facilities or gym locker rooms are common areas where this infection is picked up because most people walk around barefoot. Fungi prosper in warm and moist places, so high traffic between locker rooms, showers, pools, and gyms can lead to heightened risk.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include burning, itching, scaling, and burning on the skin. Areas between the toes are common places to develop the condition.
Treatment and prevention
● Antifungal creams or oral medications to destroy as much of the fungal infection as possible.
● Keep your feet dry, especially between the toes, since fungi thrive in dark, moist environments. Paying attention to this vulnerable area will help prevent spread of the infection.
● Change your socks daily or whenever they get wet.
● Sterilize your shoes in order to kill any harmful fungi present within them.
● Wear shoes in locker rooms. Wear open toe shoes to help air out your feet and prevent the buildup of moisture.
● If sharing a bathroom with others, sterilize the bathtub after each use to prevent spread of the infection.
Athlete’s foot can be quite the stubborn condition, so go see a podiatrist for help. Here at Cange Podiatry Inc., our podiatrist, Darlyne Cange, DPM, can provide your feet with relief from the burning and itching of athlete’s foot. Utilizing targeted treatments tailored to your specific needs can help reduce painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Contact us online or make an appointment with our foot doctor today. We are located in Ellicott City and Glen Burnie, MD, and look forward to providing care for your feet.