Athlete’s Foot

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by a certain breed of fungus. You might also hear this condition go by the more medical name tinea pedis.

This fungus is most often spread through direct contact with a person who also has the infection, or by touching places where the fungus is present. Since the fungus thrives in darker, damper, warmer places, locations such as locker rooms, public pools, and showers are prime areas for catching it.

What does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?

An athlete’s foot infection can take on different appearances and symptoms from person to person. The following symptoms are common, but you do not need all of them to have it:

• Itching, burning, stinging sensations on the soles of your feet or along and between your toes.
• Cracking, peeling skin.
• Dry skin, usually on the soles or sides of the feet.
• Blisters that itch.
• Raw, reddened skin.

It is also possible that athlete’s foot will come with thick, discolored, crumbly toenails as well, or that the two conditions will develop close in time to each other. That’s because the fungus responsible for athlete’s foot can also cause a fungal toenail infection as well.

You don’t have to be an athlete to catch athlete’s foot, but yours risks of it can be higher if you are one.

Since athlete’s foot tends to be more present in public places where many go barefoot, those who hit the gym are more likely to run into trouble.

Additional risk factors for catching athlete’s foot include:

• Sharing footwear, including socks, with other people. Please, never do this.
• Wearing cramped, closed-toe shoes that don’t “breathe.” This helps give fungus a haven.
• Having sweaty feet, or feet that are wet for long periods of time. This provides favorable conditions for the fungus to survive.

Having a minor injury on the foot. The skin is a good barrier against infection, but athlete’s foot can take advantage of breaks or weak points to invade.

What Can I Do About Athlete’s Foot?

In many cases, athlete’s foot can be resolved with simple over-the-counter sprays and medications. There are times, however, when these treatments aren’t effective or a case is severe.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you are having problems treating your athlete’s foot, it is causing you a lot of pain, or there is something else about your condition that just doesn’t seem right to you. We will gladly help you get to the root of the problem and find stronger or better treatments that will get rid of the fungus for good.

In the meantime, remember that athlete’s foot is highly contagious! Keep your towels, shoes, socks, and other items that touch your feet away from your family’s items to help keep it from spreading. Anti-fungal sprays on suspected infected items can also be a help.

Foot and Ankle Care in Medford, OR

Our Medford office is here for your foot and ankle needs. Give us a call at (541) 776-3338 or use our online contact form to reach out.