Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It is more common on bottom of the feet and between the toes. Fungus grows in warm, dark, and humid environments. Thus, it is very common in places such as swimming pool, showers, gyms, and any place where people tend to walk barefooted. Like any other infection, fungus can be transmitted from one person to another.

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete's foot include dry skin, itching, burning, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. The dry skin can often lead to cracking of the skin exposing raw and tender tissue. If left untreated, the infection can spread and worsen the symptoms.

Athlete's foot can spread to rest of the feet and toe nails. It can also spread by contact to other parts of the body including the groin and underarms. It may also be transmitted to other family members through contaminated bed sheets and clothing.

Prevention

Athlete's foot can be prevented by practicing good foot hygiene. This includes washing your feet daily with soap and water and drying feet carefully specially between the toes. You should also change your shoes and socks regularly and avoid wearing the same shoes everyday. Also helpful is the use of foot powder daily to help reduce moisture and excessive sweating.

Treatment

Over the counter antifungal medications generally don't work well. In mild cases of athlete's foot, keep your feet dry with foot powder and wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly.

If the infection does not respond to proper foot hygiene within two weeks, then call us for a professional consultation. We will evaluate the problem to determine if it is indeed caused by a fungus. If it is, then We will prescribe an antifungal medication which may be applied topically or taken orally. If the infection is found to be caused by bacteria, then an antibiotic may be prescribed. It is very important to see Us early because if ignored too long, it may become difficult to treat