Athlete’s Foot Symptoms and Treatments

Posted on July 3, 2012 by LBrown, DPM

Athlete’s foot, the scourge of the locker room, source of hundreds of unfunny jokes, can be more than an all around nuisance. If not treated promptly, a fungus can break the skin and lead to bacterial infection. By this time, the the dry, itchy scale between your toes has become an oozing problem requiring antibiotics. Why allow things to reach this stage when a few simple measures can prevent the problem?

Like all fungi, athlete’s foot thrives in damp, warm environments, which is why it is often linked with gymnasiums. But you don’t have to be an athlete to pick up the rash; it can be found almost anywhere you might walk barefoot.

For prevention, it’s important to keep the feet clean and dry. Applying powder after showering helps absorb moisture. It’s also important to air your shoes and feet regularly.

If you know you already have a fungus, the over-the-counter medications applied at night may work, but you should check with your podiatrist to verify that what you have is athlete’s foot and not an infection from another source.

To make an appointment with podiatrist Dr. Brown, DPM please contact the Ryan Foot and Ankle Clinic today at 586-758-5770.